Rising stars: Toowoomba netballers push for representative spots
The rain forced them indoors but it did not stop Toowoomba’s best netballers. St Mary’s played host to 100s of players eager to secure rep teams and we spoke to a few of the young hopefuls.
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NETBALL: Rain forced them off their ‘home’ court, but the wet weather did not dull the competitive spirit and passion of Toowoomba’s top young netballers.
Hundreds took to the Clive Berghofer Arena (St Mary’s College) courts on Sunday, eager to stake their claim for a Toowoomba Netball Association representative jersey.
Court side during the trials TNA board member Julian Cattonar was pleased by the calibre of players in action.
“We’re really happy with how things are progressing so far,” Cattonar said.
“Our numbers are up and the we’ve noticed a significant increase in the skill of the players who are participating in the trials.”
Players were on court in a bid to catch the eye of officials selecting under-11 to U18 teams which will compete at state age and inter-district events next years.
Further trials will take place at a later date to finalise with TNA able to consider naming more than one team in each age division if enough talented players are ‘discovered’.
“A lot of the girls have been involved in trials and played for Toowoomba in the past,” Cattonar said.
“The pleasing thing though is all of the girls know what is expected of them.
“They know the level of commitment that is needed to trial for and play in this teams.
“They know what is expected of them and they are committed, dedication and approach everything with a positive attitude and willingness to work.”
The Chronicle were court side during the under-13 trials and interviewed four young stars eager to secure their spot in Toowoomba rep teams.
Isabella Marshall, 12
Favourite position: Goal Defence
Encouraged by friends and teammates, Isabella signed up for rep trials after just a year of netball.
“I love being active, the team spirit and playing goal defence.
“My teammates this year gave me lots of help to become a better player and they encouraged me to come to the trials.
“Testing myself against better players is good.”
Madison Burchardt, 13
Madison is no stranger to netball after trying her hand at the sport in year three.
She also knows what to expect on court at the rep level after featuring for Toowoomba last year.
“I played for Toowoomba last year.
“I’m pretty competitive so I enjoy testing myself and trying to get intercepts when I’m playing goal defence or keeper.”
Greer Godger, 11
Following in the footsteps of her two sisters, Greer took up netball four years ago.
She roams the court as a centre or wing defence and loves working hard.
“Playing for Toowoomba is a good opportunity,” she said.
“You get to play against better players which I enjoy.
“To make the team though you have to work hard and find a way to standout.”
Chloe Dolley, 12
Like Greer, Chloe started netball after watching her older sister play the game.
Off the court she is quietly spoken but she comes alive in and around the shooter’s circle.
“I like playing goal attack,” Chloe said.
“You have to move around a lot so you can try to get the ball.
“Playing for Toowoomba is good because you get to travel and meet new people.”
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