TeamBranchCreate your dream team
Home
Build your zombie survival team — TeamBranch
Zombie Attack Survival
World Cup 2026
2026
World Cup 2026
Paper Teamfight — build your squad and survive the gauntlet — TeamBranch
New
Paper Teamfight
Build your basketball starting five — TeamBranch
Basketball Team
Build your soccer team — TeamBranch
Soccer Team
Build your NFL roster — TeamBranch
American Football Team
Build your cricket XI — TeamBranch
Cricket
Build your dream government — TeamBranch
Government
Build your League of Legends roster — TeamBranch
League of Legends Team
Build your rugby XV — TeamBranch
Rugby Team
Build your ice hockey team — TeamBranch
Ice Hockey
Build your handball seven — TeamBranch
Handball Team
Build your volleyball six — TeamBranch
Volleyball Team
Build your baseball lineup — TeamBranch
Baseball Team
Build your water polo team — TeamBranch
Water Polo Team

Build your dream Australian handball team: the complete 2026 guide.

~15 min read
Updated 13/07/2026
Team builder
« Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! »
7

From goalkeeper to pivot, pick 7 on court and 9 on the bench.

TeamBranch replicates the official handball team structure: 1 goalkeeper, 6 court players, 9 substitutes, captain, defensive system. Seven positions, seven choices, from the goal to the right wing.

Pick from current Goannas squad members (men), the Sting (women's national team), National Handball League stars (Sydney University, UTS Sydney, Royal Park Melbourne, Melbourne University), or call in Denmark, France, Germany, Spain or Croatia. You can also build a team 100% with your mates for a club tourney.

9,500 players 7 positions 4 defensive systems One-link sharing
World Cup 2027

The Goannas in Germany

Forecast the seven for 13 January 2027 in Berlin. Build the head coach's squad or your own version. The Goannas chase qualification through Oceania play-offs and intercontinental qualifiers, with the goal of returning Australia to the world handball stage.

GoannasSydney UniUTSGermany
Oceania Championship

Seven for the next Oceania Championship

Build the team that maintains Australia's regional dominance. The main rival is New Zealand, with Pacific qualification a real opportunity. Oceania remains the most direct path to IHF World Championship qualification for Australian handball.

OceaniaNew ZealandPacificIHF
National Handball League

Typical NHL seven

Mix champions from Sydney University, ambitions from UTS Sydney, talents from North Western Sydney, Royal Park Melbourne, Melbourne University, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and Adelaide clubs. The best of Australian club handball, in your version.

Sydney UniUTSRoyal ParkMelbourne Uni
For fun · with your mates

The Sunday rec-centre seven

Uncle at centre back, your mate on the wing, your brother at pivot, your cousin at back. Upload your own photo cards for a vets tournament, regional cup final, bucks night, or the third-half session after training.

CustomPhotoAmateurDivision 2
The Seven Daily · Australian handball special
N° 089 · 1980-2026

Four decades of Australian handball, endless ways to imagine it.

From the early development of handball in Australia in the late 1970s and 1980s, through the migrant communities that introduced the sport, to the formation of Handball Australia and the building of a national league system — Australian handball is a story of patient growth. The Goannas (men) and the Sting (women) represent Australia in Oceania and IHF competitions, while the National Handball League develops talent across state-based clubs. Strong club system in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, regular Oceania Championship presence, IHF World Championship appearances through qualifiers. On TeamBranch you can recreate every generation or rewrite the lost qualifying campaigns.

1980-2000 · Pioneer era

European migration drives early growth

Handball arrived in Australia primarily through European migrant communities — particularly German, Croatian, Hungarian and Yugoslav arrivals — during the late 1970s and 1980s. Handball Australia was formed to organise the sport nationally, and the first state-based clubs emerged in Sydney and Melbourne, with the strongest concentration in New South Wales.

The first national championships brought together state representative teams. Universities began adopting handball as part of their sport programmes, with Sydney University and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) developing strong programmes. The Goannas (men) and the Sting (women) emerged as national teams competing in Oceania Championship matches, primarily against New Zealand.

2000 → 2015 · Building the structure

National Handball League and Oceania presence

The National Handball League (NHL) was structured to provide regular high-level competition across state-based clubs. NSW remained the strongest state, with Sydney University, UTS, North Western Sydney, and Olympia HC providing the bulk of national team players. Victoria developed Royal Park Handball Club and Melbourne University.

The Goannas qualified for IHF World Championships through the Asian/Oceania qualification system, including appearances at the 2001 (France) and 2003 (Portugal) World Championships among others. While Australia remained outside the world elite, the regular IHF participation built valuable international experience for the squad and helped develop young talent through exposure to top-level handball.

2015 → 2026 · Modern era

Schools push and the new generation

The last decade has seen Handball Australia push strongly into school programmes and grassroots development. Schools handball programmes in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia have introduced thousands of young Australians to the sport. The IHF and EHF (European Handball Federation) have supported coaching certification and player development pathways.

The current generation of the Goannas and Sting combines NHL-based players with Australians playing professionally in Europe — particularly in Germany, Spain, and Scandinavia. The goal remains qualification for IHF World Championship 2027 in Germany and Olympic Games qualification, while building toward the long-term goal of making Australian handball a credible top-20 international force. The schools system continues to be the backbone of long-term growth.

Architecture of the seven

How is a handball team built?

A handball team fields 7 players on court (one goalkeeper, six court players) and 9 substitutes on the match sheet. Each position has a precise role: this is exactly the structure TeamBranch replicates.

The backs (pivot, two side backs, centre back) are the foundation: game architecture, distance shots, positional play in 6-0. The wings are speed: counter-attacks, finishing, moving play. The goalkeeper (green jersey) wins finals on their own.

Goalkeeper · #1, 12, 16
Green jersey. Reflexes, reading the game, long outlet passes. The Australian goalkeeper school develops through NHL clubs.
Wings · left & right
Finishers. Jump, narrow angle, counter-attack. NHL wings, especially from Sydney clubs, form the national team backbone.
Centre back · 1-3-3
Quarterback of handball. Vision, passing, tactics. The brain of the game, conductor of defensive systems. Often the squad captain.
Side backs · left & right
The big guns. 9-metre shots, drives, one-on-one play. Position that develops the Australian stars who export to Europe.
Pivot · position 5
Warrior between defenders. Blocks, screens, heels, central defence. Often the most physical position in the squad.
Bench · 9 substitutes
Rolling subs, unlimited, no clock stoppage. Defensive specialists, second goalkeeper, doubles at every position.
Handball glossary

The words you need to talk handball like at the Sydney University gym.

Goal
The supreme act: ball into the opponent's goal, beyond the 6-metre line. Value 1 point, no three-pointers — it's the unit.
6-metre line (goal area)
6-metre semicircle around the goal: only the goalkeeper can stand inside. Attackers can jump over but must release the ball before landing. Fundamental rule.
9-metre line
Dotted line marking the free-throw zone after a foul. On a free throw, defenders must stand behind it. This is where the back shots come from.
7-metre throw (penalty)
Handball's penalty. Face-to-face shot with the goalkeeper from 7 metres, no run-up. Awarded for clear goal-scoring opportunities. ~75% conversion at elite level.
Counter-attack & fast play
The art of fast play. First wave in under 6 seconds, second wave before defence regroups. A key strategic weapon, especially for emerging nations.
Defence 6-0 / 5-1 / 3-2-1
Defensive systems. 6-0 = compact wall at 6m. 5-1 = one stepped up on the centre back. 3-2-1 = stepped aggressive defence.
Seven against six (no keeper)
7 vs 6 tactic — goalkeeper drops to bench, seventh court player on court: empty goal, numerical advantage. Invented by Spain in the 2010s, now standard.
Centre throw & quick restart
After each goal, the conceding team can play from the centre line without waiting for a whistle. Allows a shot in 4 seconds on quick transition.
Helicopter & kung-fu
Signature trick shots. Helicopter: lifted shot that drops behind the keeper. Kung-fu: wing shoots mid-air after a lobbed pass.
Five eras · Five cult teams

Revive the Australian handball squad that left a mark on the sport.

Each generation has its idols, systems, nicknames. On TeamBranch you can recreate every team 1:1, or change one name and see what happens. What if the Goannas had a Karabatic in the squad? Answer in 60 seconds.

1980-90
Pioneer era
European migrants introduce handball to Australia. Handball Australia formed. First Sydney and Melbourne clubs. National Championship begins.
PioneersMigrationSydneyMelbourne
1990-2000
Building the league
National Handball League forms with state-based clubs. NSW emerges as the dominant state. First Goannas and Sting national team campaigns.
NHLSydney UniUTSNSW
2000-15
IHF qualification era
Goannas qualify for multiple IHF Men's World Championships through Oceania pathway. Building international experience. School programmes expand.
2001 France2003 PortugalOceaniaIHF
2015-22
Modern building
Handball Australia pushes hard into schools. EHF support for coaching. Aussies playing professionally in Europe. Sting continues women's development.
SchoolsEHF supportEurope prosSting
2022-26
Looking to 2027 & LA28
Current generation targets IHF WC 2027 Germany qualification and the Brisbane 2032 Olympics long-term build. Generational push under Handball Australia.
WC 2027Brisbane 2032YouthPathwayNHL
“
Australian handball is a long road. From the migrant clubs of the 1980s to the schools push of today, we're building a culture. The Goannas and the Sting fly the flag while NHL clubs develop the next generation.
Handball Australia, governing body of the sport in Australia, develops the Goannas (men) and Sting (women) national teams, organises the National Handball League across state-based clubs, builds long-term pathway with view to Brisbane 2032 Olympics

All the Australian handball teams you can build.

9 themes · no sign-up
★
Current squad

The Goannas, your version

Build the squad for IHF World Championship 2027 in Germany and Oceania Championship qualification. Mix the NHL backbone with Aussies playing professionally in Europe. Your seven, your bench, your captain.

SU Syd UniUTS UTSEX Europe prosRP Royal Park
Goannas · 202652 internationals
⏳
All-time Australia

Eternal Goannas seven

The best of Australian handball history: NHL legends from the 1990s-2000s, Sydney University founding players, Aussies who represented at IHF World Championships, current Goannas stars. Eternal seven from 1980 to 2026.

SU Syd UniG GoannasEX BundesligaH History
1980 → 2026180 legends
🏆
NHL · Club squad

Best of the National Handball League

Mix champions from Sydney University, UTS Sydney, North Western Sydney, Royal Park Melbourne, Melbourne University, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide clubs. Best of Australian club handball in one team.

SU Syd UniUTS UTSRP Royal ParkMU Melb Uni
NHL · 10 clubs260 cards
🌍
World All-Stars

Seven of world phenoms

Beyond the Goannas: Niklas Landin (DK) in goal, Nikola Karabatić (FR) centre back, Mathias Gidsel (DK), Sander Sagosen (NO), Jim Gottfridsson (SE), Domagoj Duvnjak (HR), Aron Pálmarsson (IS). The world seven that even the best Aussie keeper couldn't stop.

FR KarabaticNO SagosenSE GottfridssonDE Wolff
12 nations · World 7900 players
🔴
Women's team

The Sting

Build the women's national team — the Sting — with players from the National Handball League women's competition and Aussies playing in European leagues. The Sting compete in Oceania Championship qualifiers and IHF Women's World Championship qualifiers.

NHL NHL womenEX EuropeYO Youth+ Photo
Sting · 2026180 players
🇳🇿
Oceania rivals

The team that hurts — New Zealand, Pacific

What if you took a different flag? Build New Zealand's national handball squad, Fiji, Tonga (handball is emerging in the Pacific), or Samoa. The Oceania rivals of the Goannas — every qualifying match recreated.

NZ New ZealandFJ FijiTO TongaWS Samoa
NZ · FJ · TO · WS · PG480 players
🏟
States & cities

Team from your state

Australian handball is NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA and SA. Build teams from NSW (Sydney University, UTS, North Western Sydney), Victoria (Royal Park, Melbourne University), Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast clubs), WA (Perth), SA (Adelaide).

NSW NSWVIC VictoriaQLD QueenslandWA Perth
5 states · 1 NHL240 cards
🎬
Celebs & fiction

The improbable team

Steve Smith at centre back (cricket vision), Sam Kerr on the wing (footy striker), Ned Kelly as captain (controversial pick), The Wiggles as the substitute bench, Steve Irwin in goal. The only team where you can stick Hugh Jackman on the bench.

SS S. SmithSK S. KerrNK Ned KellySI S. Irwin
Sport · Culture · History1,200 cards
👨‍👩
Mates

7 from your club, mates, family

Upload your own photo cards. Put your brother at centre back, your mate at pivot, your cousin on the wing, your dad in goal. Division 2 team, regional cup final, bucks night, or the third half. Custom and unlimited.

+ Photo+ Photo+ Photo+ Photo
Custom · freeunlimited
WC 2027 · D-184

Forecast the Goannas bringing home a medal from Germany.

The IHF Men's Handball World Championship 2027 takes place in Germany from 13 to 31 January 2027. Main arenas: Berlin (Mercedes-Benz Arena), Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, Düsseldorf. The Goannas chase qualification through Oceania pathway and intercontinental qualifiers, looking to return Australia to the world handball stage.

On TeamBranch you can build your WC 2027 seven with several hypotheses: current squad, youth movement, return of the core, or total rebuild. Six pre-built templates, editable in two clicks.

184
Days
12
Hrs
59
Min
07
Sec
Pre-built templates · WC 2027
01
Current squad 2026
The Goannas backbone: NHL stars from Sydney University, UTS and Melbourne, plus Australians playing professionally in Europe.
→
02
Generation 2000+ · Youth movement
Focus on under-25 players from Sydney University and Melbourne academies. The future of Australian handball.
→
03
All-Time Goannas
Legendary team: NHL veterans from the 2000s, IHF World Championship squad members, modern Australians in Europe.
→
04
Sydney University · Club legacy
7 players from Sydney University, the historic powerhouse of Australian club handball.
→
05
The Sting (women)
Build the women's national team for IHF Women's World Championship qualification. The future of Australian women's handball.
→
06
World Seven 2027
Not Australian — your WC dream squad: Wolff, Karabatic, Sagosen, Gottfridsson, Duvnjak, Pálmarsson, Saugstrup.
→
World of handball

12 great nations of handball and their mythical sevens.

International handball revolves around a tight circle, dominated by Europe. World top: Denmark, France, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, plus Iceland and Brazil. Australia represents Oceania at IHF events through qualification pathways. On TeamBranch you can build a seven for every nation.

🇩🇰
Denmark
De Rødhvide · Vikings
3 Olympic golds in a row (2016, 2020, 2024). 4 World titles (2019-2025). Best team in history.
LandinHansenGidsel
🇫🇷
France
Les Bleus · The Experts
3 Olympic golds (2008, 2012, 2020). 6 World titles. 3 European titles. Best decade 2008-2017.
MemPrandiRemili
🇳🇴
Norway
Håndballgutta
3 lost World finals (2017, 2019). Sagosen World Player 2019. Women's handball giant.
SagosenBergerudTønnesen
🇪🇸
Spain
Los Hispanos
2 World titles (2005, 2013). 3 European titles. Inventors of "seven against six".
A. DujshebaevSoléGómez
🇩🇪
Germany
Die Bad Boys
3 World titles (1938, 1978, 2007). European titles 2016 & 2024 at home. WC 2027 hosts.
KnorrWolffHeymann
🇸🇪
Sweden
Bengan Boys
4 World titles (1954, 1958, 1990, 1999). 4 European titles. Big return since 2020.
GottfridssonKarlssonPalicka
🇭🇷
Croatia
Kauboji
2 Olympic golds (1996, 2004). 1 World title (2003). 1 European title (2018).
DuvnjakCindrićŠarac
🇮🇸
Iceland
Strákarnir okkar
Olympic silver 2008, miracle with 380,000 inhabitants.
PálmarssonMagnússonSigurmannsson
🇸🇮
Slovenia
Slovenija
WC bronze 2017. Production line of Dolence, Janc, Bombač.
JancDolenecBombač
🇭🇺
Hungary
Magyar válogatott
2 World titles (1982, 1986). Veszprém and Pick Szeged produce talent.
BánhidiLékaiK. Mahé
🇦🇺
Australia
The Goannas · The Sting
Developing nation, governed by Handball Australia. Goannas (men) and Sting (women) compete in Oceania. Multiple IHF World Championship appearances. Brisbane 2032 long-term target.
Sydney UniUTSNHL
🇵🇱
Poland
Biało-Czerwoni
WC silver 2007, 2 WC bronzes (2009, 2015). EHF Champions League 2016 for Industria Kielce.
BieleckiSzmalSićko
Australian Championship · National Handball League

10 clubs of the NHL: elite of Australian handball.

The National Handball League (NHL) is the top level of Australian men's club handball, organised by Handball Australia. NSW dominates with the strongest clubs and is historically the powerhouse state. 10 clubs, regular season, finals series, national championship. On TeamBranch you can build a typical seven for each club.

SU
Sydney University HC
Sydney NSW
Historic powerhouse
UTS
UTS Sydney
Sydney NSW
Tech uni rival
NWS
North Western Sydney
Sydney NSW
Top 4 regular
OL
Olympia HC
Sydney NSW
Strong club system
RP
Royal Park Melbourne
Melbourne VIC
Victorian classic
MU
Melbourne University
Melbourne VIC
Uni programme
BB
Brisbane HC
Brisbane QLD
Queensland representative
GC
Gold Coast HC
Gold Coast QLD
QLD second club
PH
Perth HC
Perth WA
Western Australia
AH
Adelaide HC
Adelaide SA
South Australia
CB
Canberra HC
Canberra ACT
Capital representative
SH
Sydney HC (women)
Sydney NSW
Women's NHL top
Share

Your seven, in one URL.

Every team built on TeamBranch generates a unique link + Open Graph card with photos, positions and the green-and-gold ribbon. Share on WhatsApp, X, Instagram, challenge your mates, start the club debate.

Frequently asked questions

Classics about the ideal seven.

A selection of the most-asked questions on Google and in user messages.

How do I build my dream Australian handball team online?
Choose a defensive system (6-0, 5-1, 3-2-1, seven against six), then fill 7 positions on court and 9 on the bench from 9,500 players: current Goannas (men) and Sting (women) squad members, National Handball League stars, international icons, or upload your own photo cards. Get a unique shareable link. No sign-up, 100% free.
How is a handball team made up?
The seven consists of 1 goalkeeper and 6 court players: 1 left wing, 1 left back, 1 centre back (playmaker), 1 right back, 1 right wing, and 1 pivot. Plus 9 substitutes with rolling subs. TeamBranch replicates this 1:1.
Can I build a seven for the 2027 World Championship in Germany?
Yes, that's the most popular use right now. The IHF Men's Handball World Championship 2027 is held in Germany from 13 to 31 January 2027, with 32 nations competing. We have 6 pre-built templates: current squad, youth movement, all-time Goannas, NHL backbone, revenge for 2023, World Seven.
Can I create a team with my mates or family?
Of course. Over 620,000 customised sevens have been built. Upload photos of your mates, brother, dad, cousin, your coach, and slot them into the positions you want. Perfect for a club tourney, regional championship final, bucks night, or your handball WhatsApp group.
And is the women's national team available too?
Yes, the Sting (Australian women's national handball team) is fully integrated. Build your Sting squad with players from the National Handball League women's competition and Aussies playing overseas in European clubs. The Sting compete in Oceania Championship qualifiers and IHF Women's World Championship qualifiers.
Which defensive systems does TeamBranch offer?
Four: 6-0 (classic wall), 5-1 (one stepped up, Spanish school), 3-2-1 (stepped aggressive, Bad Boys style), Seven against six (seventh court player instead of goalkeeper). Switch any time, the team rearranges automatically.
What are Australia's main handball achievements?
Handball is a developing sport in Australia, governed by Handball Australia. The men's national team — the Goannas — and the women's team — the Sting — compete in the Oceania region for spots at IHF World Championships. Australia has appeared at multiple IHF World Championships through Oceania qualification. The National Handball League features state-based clubs from NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA and SA. Sydney University, UTS, and Melbourne clubs are historically strong.
Where can I play handball in Australia?
Handball clubs operate across all major Australian cities. NSW hosts the strongest competition: Sydney University Handball Club, UTS Sydney, North Western Sydney. Melbourne has Royal Park, Melbourne University. Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast), SA (Adelaide) and WA (Perth) also have established clubs. Handball Australia organises an annual national championship.
Is the service really free?
Yes, no exceptions. Building, sharing, exporting, uploading your own photos, tactical simulation — everything is free. No sign-up, no annoying ads, no paywall. Build as many sevens as you like.