Darren Adam Abela, a former coach for the Westside Saints netball club in Melbourne, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges of committing indecent acts with a child and sexual penetration of a child under 16. The offenses occurred between 2013 and 2014 while Abela was coaching the representative team for the St Albans Caroline Springs Netball Association (SACSNA).
Concerns about Abela's interactions with girls reportedly led him to flee to the Philippines, described as a sex-tourism hotspot, around 2020 or 2021. At the time of his departure, the club posted a tribute on social media, and Abela sent a video message to players stating he had to leave the country immediately without providing specific reasons.
He later returned to Australia with a Filipino woman. Witnesses reported seeing him coach again for the Saints in 2023 and briefly in early 2025, baffling some associated with the club. Abela also owned and operated a pizza restaurant in Melton, where he reportedly employed young female netballers over several years.
Despite some community members hearing rumors of his alleged offending, Abela had previously been granted life membership by SACSNA, and an award was named in his honor, the 'Darren Abela Award.' The association has since distanced itself from the former coach. The Daily Mail does not suggest that SACSNA administrators were aware of his offending when granting him these accolades.
Abela also briefly coached at the Melton Bloods in late 2024 but left by early 2025. Sources indicated the club was unaware of his past crimes and that no misconduct occurred during his limited time there.
Following police investigations into his alleged crimes early last year, Abela is said to have again traveled to the Philippines. However, he was in Australia and present in court on May 29 for his guilty plea at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.
SACSNA has attempted to distance itself from Abela through social media posts, some of which have since been deleted. A 2021 post, also deleted, praised Abela for his dedication and mentorship, stating he had helped many players progress to elite levels. Multiple parents disputed the club's claims on social media that Abela had not been involved with the Saints for a decade, stating they had seen him at the club more recently.
Abela is scheduled for a pre-sentence hearing at the County Court at a later date. Victoria Police have stated they are seeking information regarding another coach, though no charges have been laid against that individual.