Netball Australia has selected its 17/U and 19/U squads for 2021/22, showcasing an array of national talent set to model the future of Australian netball.
GIANTS Netball would like to congratulate all athletes but in particular their Academy athletes Charli Fidler, Erin O'Brien and Millie Roach.
The 36 successful 17/U and 26 19/U athletes, representing each state and territory, were selected based on a range of attributes, including demonstrated skill and the potential for performance growth.
Squad selections were conducted differently this year after the National Netball Championships, where selection is normally made, were cancelled due to COVID-19.
The squad was selected by a panel made up of National Centre of Excellence Head Coach Michelle Wilkins, and selectors Jenny Borlase and Nicole Cusack.
Wilkins, also an Origin Australian Diamonds squad selector, said the 17/U and 19/U athlete squad selection highlighted the strength and depth of the national netball pathway.
“Selecting a squad is always challenging, especially when you look at the quality of athletes who are progressing through the Netball Australia pathway,” Wilkins said.
“In spite of the challenges to elite sport with COVID-19, we know there is plenty of promise in these squads that we look forward to igniting at training camps and other opportunities over the next year.”
Three athletes that are 19/U age eligible, Amy Sligar (NSW + GIANTS Training Partner), Emma Walters (VIC) and Reilley Batcheldor (QLD), were previously elevated to the national 21/U squad and therefore have not been named.
Netball Australia's Head of Pathway Kristen Barnes spoke to the significance of these pathway opportunities.
“Former athletes who have taken part in these programs have gone on to achieve the highest rank of netball at a national and international level,” Barnes said.
“We will continue to nurture all involved in the pathway to reach the same levels of success.”
Netball Australia will work to deliver training camps later this year for selected athletes as an opportunity to develop their abilities and provide elite training.
2021/22 19/U National Squad
ACT – Jessica Berry
NSW - Sophie Fawns
NSW - Charli Fidler
NSW - Audrey Little
NSW - Chelsea Mann
NSW - Erin O'Brien
NSW - Brooke Paterson
NSW - Millie Roach
NT - Ochre Renwick
QLD - Ava Black
QLD - Ashleigh Ervin
SA - Tahlia Dnistrjanski
SA - Poppy Gilfillan-Silk
SA - Jessie Grenvold
SA - Kimberley Hearnden
SA - Paris Sinclair
TAS - Hannah Lenthall
VIC - Nyah Allen
VIC - Emily Andrew
VIC - Maggie Caris
VIC - Sussu Liai
VIC - Ruby Turner
VIC - Zara Walters
WA - Sophie Eastaugh
WA - Cleo Kenny
WA - Emma Putt
2021/22 17/U National Squad
ACT - Samantha Bondietti
ACT - Hayley Matthew
NSW - Papi Alaalatoa
NSW - Jade Dawson
NSW - Eloise Egan
NSW - Allanah Gilbertson
NSW - Emma Keane
NSW - Amelia Kirgan
NSW - Frederika Schneideman
NSW - Grace Whyte
NT - Emma Noblett
NT - Laura Roy
QLD - Baylee Boyd
QLD - Kiara Condon
QLD - Losa Niumata
QLD - Elsa Sandholt
QLD - Kaylin Van Greunen
SA - Sophie Casey
SA - Kaili Cook-Shakles
SA - Lucy Denton
SA - Cameron Golding
SA - Kayla Graham
SA - Aaleya Turner
SA - Lucy Voyvodic
TAS - Esther Kidmas
TAS - Ashlea Turner
VIC - Keeley Burgmann
VIC - Dee Dee Deng
VIC - Fionnuala McKeagney-Stubbs
VIC - Charli Nicol
VIC - Tara Watson
VIC - Olivia Wilkinson
WA - Ruth Aryang
WA - Georgie Cleaver
WA - Jasmah Haywood
WA - Maya Kenny
