Lara Dunkley

Hailing from a sports-mad family with two AFL footballer brothers, Lara Dunkley is set for her seventh season in Purple after re-signing with the Queensland Firebirds for 2026. 

Since arriving from the Vixens in 2020 as a replacement player, Dunkley has become a cornerstone of the Firebirds’ midcourt, using her physical strength, height and competitiveness to great effect while also establishing herself as a cultural leader. 

A club vice-captain for the past four seasons, she was recognised as the Firebirds Players’ Player of the Year in 2025 after featuring in all 14 games, finishing strongly with standout performances against her former club the Vixens and the NSW Swifts. 

The 30-year-old has now made 83 Suncorp Super Netball appearances, 81 of those in Firebirds colours. 

Originally from Yarram in country Victoria, Dunkley is as influential off the court as she is on it, continuing to embrace players and staff alike as part of the Purple Family.