The Royal Australian Air Force Ladies Netball Team has gone undefeated at the 2025 International Netball Festival (INF), outclassing the Fijian Rising Eagles in the grand final to secure their first tournament title.
Held on the Gold Coast from July 5-7, the competition featured international and domestic invitational teams, with Air Force in control from start to finish.
The team was selected from players across the country based on strong individual performances at the 2024 ADF Combined Services Carnival in Melbourne.
Team captain Sergeant Jordayne Nelson, of 33 Squadron, said the team built cohesion quickly, drawing on experience and leadership to form combinations that held under pressure.
"After finishing runners-up at INF last year and again at Combined Services this year, we were out to prove a point," Sergeant Nelson said.
"We backed each other and stayed focused on the mission.
"Several players carried injuries through the tournament, but all contributed on and off the court.
"We had to dig deep at times, but we kept backing each other and the trust in the group was impressive."
Throughout the round matches, RAAF showed control in possession, defensive intensity and tactical flexibility, allowing them to dominate the court.
Leading Aircraftwoman Tahli Wheeler, of 1 Squadron, was named the most valuable player of the tournament for her consistent midcourt presence and ability to turn defence into attack.
'It's a great feeling to finish what we started last year.'
"The team stayed composed in the final, even though we spent a lot of time on the floor with hard contacts," Leading Aircraftwoman Wheeler said.
"The Fijian Rising Eagles brought physicality and pressure, but we didn't panic and knew we had another gear.
"Everyone stuck to their role, and when the pressure was on, we lifted and took over the game."
Facing the hard-hitting Fijian Rising Eagles in the grand final, Air Force held a slender two-goal lead heading into the fourth quarter.
In sweltering Gold Coast conditions, RAAF responded with their strongest quarter of the tournament, closing out the match with an 11-3 quarter to seal the win 28-19.
"It's a great feeling to finish what we started last year," Sergeant Nelson said.
"The squad featured a mix of experienced players and debutantes, with every player contributing across the weekend."
The tournament win marks a major milestone for RAAF Netball, with the women joining the men's team in the winners' circle after the men were crowned the champion service for 2024.
With the INF trophy secured, players now turn their attention to their next challenge, representing their home states at the 2025 ADF Combined Services Carnival later this year.
There, they'll again chase selection for next year's RAAF squad and build on a result that proves how strong Air Force netball has become.
