HUGE YEAR FOR STAR ON THE RISE

LITTLE by little, Emma Walters is making a name for herself on the national netball stage as a player to watch.

Walters, who is one of seven local sportspeople short-listed for the Geelong Advertiser Junior Sports Star of the Year award, has spent the past 12 months dominating for Victoria and Australia at various national and world championships, and those in the know say she is ticking all of the right boxes to earn further representative honours in the years ahead.

The 16-year-old, who plays locally with St Mary’s, had already enjoyed a huge 2017 season, but says this year has clearly been the most productive yet.

“Following on from last year after I got picked for Australia I went on to play in Queensland for Australia at the world championships this year and that was amazing,” Walters, pictured, said.

“It was the best week of my life and playing against other countries was just a dream, it is something I never thought I would have the chance to do.

“That was definitely my highlight for the year but I got the chance to play for the Victorian under-17s as a bottomage player which was really good.

“That was quite challenging and I ended up getting picked for the Australian Institute of Sport, and the training and camps have been amazing.”

Despite having always played in attack for St Mary’s, Walters is focusing on working to improve as a midcourt player as she progresses through the elite junior ranks.

She made her A-Grade netball debut for the Saints in 2018 and was part of the City West Falcons under-19s side.

Walters said playing at such a high level so early in her career would prove a major advantage as she seeks to one day play in the Super Netball league.

“It (senior netball) is definitely more physical and the girls are a lot faster and have so much experience,” she said.

“But it is awesome to work in a team with girls who do have all of that experience because it lifts your own game.”

The Geelong Advertiser Junior Sports Star of the Year award will be announced on Monday at the Barwon Sports Academy awards dinner.