Australia 21/U squad selected following nationals

Monday, July 16, 2012

Australian 21/U coach Carol Byers and selectors have announced an Australian 21/U squad at the conclusion of the 2012 21/U National Netball Championships at Challenge Stadium in Perth.

“There are a lot of quality centre court players so it’s going to be extremely difficult decision in that area because there is such good depth,” Byers said of her squad.

“We’ve got some height in the shooting circle with Kristina Brice and Kaylia Stanton but also it’s a good mix of movers and versatility which gives us a really good variety of players to look at and select from.

“Defensively there were lots of turnovers throughout the tournament and the defenders really did put pressure on everything so I’m really happy with the quality of defence.”

With twelve months until the 2013 World Youth Netball Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, Byers said that this squad of 22 will have the opportunity to be exposed to international netball over the next couple of months.

“A team will be selected to compete in the youth international netball series in August against New Zealand, England and Samoa,” Byers said.

“They will also get the opportunity to be selected to tour Jamaica in November and then New Zealand early next year.”

“This group has lots of opportunities for international experience that allows them to show us that they’re able to step up and play at the international netball level.”

The squad will attend a selection camp at the Australian Institute of Sport from 27-29 July where a team of 12 will be named to compete in August’s youth international series.

Australian 21/U Squad: Kristina Brice (NSW), Kelsey Browne (VIC), Courtney Bruce (WA), Paige Hadley (NSW), Cody Lange (SA), Chelsea Lemke (SA), Laura Marslen (SA), Alix McDermott (ACT), Brooke Miller (NSW), Kate Moloney (VIC), Maddie Proud (SA), Kimberley Ravaillion (NSW), Keely Rodrigo (ACT), Amehlia Schmidt (SA), Denise Shelpley (WA), Kate Shimmin (SA), Gabi Simpson (NSW), Ellie Smart (WA), Kaylia Stanton (WA), Kate Thompson (VIC), Joanna Weston (VIC), Micaela Wilson (VIC).