By Mikayla van Loon
Five friends and teammates from Wonga Park’s under 15s netball team have been identified for Netball Victoria’s talent academy trial process in November, an exciting opportunity to share with each other.
Hannah Andrews, Shonae Barker, Tyler Drummond, Keely Pfander and Milly Smyth have been playing together for quite a few years now, making it easier to help get the best out of one another.
“We’re all so talented so it’s good to be able to push each other,” Shonae said.
“I’m excited, but also nervous. I don’t really know what to expect. I’ve never been to one of these state selections for netball before.”
Although none of the girls have trialled for a netball selection before, Tyler said no matter what happens, it will be a good experience to learn from the professional coaches and trainers.
“It will just give us more skills for netball, even if we don’t get it in, we will have learnt something from the day that we can use for our team,” she said.
With Tyler and Milly both playing representative netball for Lilydale and Yarra Valley Netball Association, they said they had some idea of the other talent out there but it would be interesting to see on a broader level the standard of netball identified across the state.
Club president Jeanette Morriss said while it may be a tough competition with some of the best netball players in Victoria, she was proud of the girls for taking this step.
“Regardless of the outcome from trials, it’s an excellent opportunity for them, and for the girls to be identified is testament to their skills and commitment. We are all very proud of them at the club,” she said.
The November trial day will include skill drills and match play after which a group of players will be chosen to be part of the Central East Talent Academy program.
