Five Victorian youngsters have been named by Netball Australia in the 2016 Australian 17/U squad following the recent national titles in Perth last week.
Gabrielle Dwyer, Shannon Freeman, Kate Kelly-Oman, Alex Moody and Allie Smith will attend a training camp at Netball Australia’s Centre of Excellence between the 19-22 May under the tutelage of Centre of Excellence head coach Jill McIntosh and Australian Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander.
Featuring a mix of Victorian shooters, defenders and mid-courters, Kate Kelly-Oman has been selected in the Australian 17/U squad for the second year in a row.
Speaking to Rebekah Webster – Netball Victoria’s High Performance Manager – about the selection of five Victorian players, she said, “Netball Victoria are extremely proud of the athletes who have been selected in the 36 strong Under 17 National Talent Identification Development Squad.
“The hard work and determination that our group showed throughout the State Team program has been extremely pleasing and for this group of five athletes it has paid dividends.
“Their selection provides them a great opportunity to travel to the AIS in Canberra and further their development under the guidance and tutelage of some of Australia’s best coaches. The exposure to such a quality high performance environment will put them in good stead to continue with their development and take the next step in their pathway.
“I congratulate them on this achievement and look forward to seeing these athletes continue to progress and grow through this opportunity.”
Victorians Amelia Brock, Jane Cook and Samantha Gooden have also been invited to join nine other selected athletes as part of the specialist talls program. They will participate in two training camps in Canberra in June and November 2016.
National selected athletes alongside the recent 19/U State Champions will have their achievements recognised at the Melbourne Vixens’ home match on Sunday 12 June at Hisense Arena.
2016 Australian U/17 Named Squad
Australian Capital Territory: Eliza Burton, Jacoba Clough, Hayley Mason
New South Wales: Olivia Coleman, Lucinda Drinan, Maddy Eaton, Demi Evans, Tayla Fraser, Lili Gorman-Brown, Shelby Mallon, Teigan O’Shannassy
Northern Territory: Gabrielle Coffey, Elizabeth Paice
Queensland: Bridey Condren, Tippah Dwan, Jada Gafa, Macy Gardner, Shenae Grant, Brianna Gregory, Sarahpheinna Woulf
South Australia: Sienna Allen, Chelsea Blackman, Amelia Day, Georgia Dent, Maisie Nankivell, Mary Wilson
Tasmania: Jamie Symons, Alexandra Vinen
Victoria: Gabrielle Dwyer, Shannon Freeman, Kate Kelly-Oman, Alex Moody, Allie Smith
Western Australia: Sunday Aryang, Amber Clemesha, Alkira Rodney
Talls Camp Invitees
New South Wales: Teigan O’Shannassy, Prudence Ellis, Olivia Coleman, Alison Miller
Northern Territory: Isabella McDonald
Queensland: Ashlen Garrett
Tasmania: Lauren Mills
Victoria: Amelia Brock, Jane Cook, Samantha Gooden
Western Australia: Annika Lee-Jones, Alkira Rodney