Kangaroo Island product Georgie Horjus continues her rise after winning title, Marg Angove Medal
LAST year Georgie Horjus was catching a ferry from Kangaroo Island to play junior netball for Contax. Now the 16 year old is a Premier League champion and Marg Angove medallist.
LAST year Georgie Horjus was catching a ferry from her Kangaroo Island hometown as part of a four-hour trip to Adelaide to play junior netball for Contax.
Now, aged just 16, Horjus, left, is a Premier League champion and Marg Angove medallist.
The goal attack was named best-on-court for Contax after its 73-39 shellacking of traditional rival Garville in the grand final at Mile End on Friday night.
Horjus says moving to Adelaide this year from Parndana, which has a population of about 150, been huge for her netball development.
She grew up in the inland Kangaroo Island town and started playing at the age of five until following her cousin Fiona Bussenschutt to Contax last year.
“Mum (Ange) would take me up every weekend on a Friday night or Saturday night, and it’d take about four hours, then we’d travel home on Sunday night,” says Horjus, who now lives in Oaklands Park.
“I couldn’t have done it without Mum or Dad (Rob) supporting me … and I have to thank the island for their support.
“Last year I remember watching the game (grand final) and thinking I wanted to be out there then this year it happened.
“It’s a bit crazy.”
Horjus appeared composed throughout the match as she made 41/48 (85.4 per cent) of her shots and worked well with fellow goaler Emma Green (32/36 at 88.9 per cent).
But Horjus says she was extremely nervous until scoring her first goal.
Although not quite as anxious as when she was called up to say a speech after collecting her Marg Angove Medal.
“Having to speak in front of everyone was a bit scary.”
Horjus went into the season unsure of what to expect or whether Thunderbirds-listed goalers Sasha Glasgow and Charlee Hodges would be playing in front of her.
Ultimately, Horjus became a far more integral part of the line-up than she ever predicted and had the experienced Amanda Martin, who came out of retirement, as her mentor.
“Amanda’s been awesome,” Horjus says.
“She’s so smart in how she plays and is always willing to help.”
Horjus, who has represented Australia at junior level, is hopeful of one day playing for the Diamonds and Adelaide Thunderbirds.
