New generation of junior Darling Downs netballers set their sights on state championship glory

We’ve run the rule over the new Darling Downs netball under-16 girls representative team. Find out what your favourite player brings to the court ahead of the state titles here.

Darling Downs U16 netball rep player Pip Beveridge.

A new generation of Darling Downs netballers are ready to prove themselves on the Queensland stage.

Darling Downs under-16 girls coach Bell Hayes has named her squad ahead of the state titles in September.

Packed full of ‘bottom age players’ Hayes is excited about the upcoming titles and the future of the Downs rep program.

“It was actually one of the toughest selection trials I have been part of. There were so many very talented players out there,” Hayes said.

“We have a lot of bottom age players in this team which is very exciting.

“It will be exciting to see them in action now and it’s exciting to see how they develop as players in the future.

“These titles will be a real challenge for them, the state titles are always a tough competition, but I truly believe we can be competitive.

“Naturally our first goal is for them to enjoy their netball but if they put in the work and effort during our training sessions the potential is there to be a very good team.”

Here’s a look at how the team will line-up

Ava de Vries – GS

A strong holding shooter who is secures a lot of shots under and close to post and is very accurate.

Darling Downs U16 netball rep player Ava de Vries

Adyssson Coughlan – GA, GS

Joining the Darling Downs from the Bond netball program she is strong and has great variety in her game. She has great movement around the circle and is an accurate shooter.

Lily Fitzpartick – GA, GS

Another attacker with great movement in and around the circle with an extremely accurate shot.

Grace Pollock C, WA

A midcourt general who creates space for herself and other, has great movement, fantastic passing skills and great control.

Darling Downs U16 netball rep player Grace Pollock

Darling Downs U16 netball rep player Melia Beckett

Melia Beckett – GD, WD

Contests every position, secures countless intercepts and works well her keeper in defence.

Leandri Heynes – C, WA

A great defender with lightning quick movement and change direction in the blink of an eye.

Mia Kleidon – WA, GA

A controlled and smart player who expertly finds her shooters with great passes.

Georgia Brassington – C, WD

Really impressed officials during the trials with her quick feet, defensive skills and willingness to drive down court.

Allara Hindle GK, GD

A great rebounder who distributes the ball quickly and a has a great ‘lean over’ to put pressure

Aaliyah Salmon – GD, GK

Reads the circle well, has great footwork and is improving with every session and match she plays.

Darling Downs U16 netball rep player Aaliyah Salmon

Darling Downs U16 netball rep player Mya Farrell

TRAINING PARTNERS

Pip Beveridge, Mya Farrell, Olivia Groves, Sage Pavey

“The girls are a very important part of the squad,” Hayes said.

“It was very hard naming this team because there was so many talented players trialling.

“Our training partners will work with us right through all the sessions to prep for the titles and will be ready to step in if we need them.”