Magpies help juniors to soar

TWO ex-Australian Diamonds have ensured the state under-15 team will head into the School Sports Australia National Netball Championships with some added experience.

Collingwood Magpies and ex-Diamond netballers Natalie Medhurst and Ashleigh Brazill put the players through their paces yesterday ahead of the titles, which start in Caloundra on Sunday. The 12 aspiring team members relished the opportunity to be coached by such experienced and talented athletes as they worked through skill-based exercises.

Medhurst was excited to be in the state to provide such a wonderful opportunity.

“To train some of the upand-coming netballers, hopefully they learn something from us and we’re able to help their netball develop,” she said.

While the session was mainly skill-based, there were added mental components.

“We make sure they are able to execute their skills under fatigue which is definitely a mental thing, but we want them to enjoy it and obviously what we’re teaching them is relevant and that they are able to then incorporate it in their training environment when they’re back here with their coaches,” Medhurst said.

State co-captains Ashlea Turner and Jessica Scott will be keen to incorporate the learnings when they’re away.

“It’s great to have two Magpies come down especially to Tassie just before nationals,” Turner said.

“It’s good for them to come and share what they know.”

Of the team’s chances, Turner said: “I definitely think we can match them if we play our best every game.”

The championships start on Sunday and run until July 26. State under-15 team: Hannah Brereton, Chanelle Byers, Hannah Crawford, Anita Eberstein, Amelia McMahon, Olive Morris, Sophie Pidgeon, Georgia Pyke, Olivia Read, Jessica Scott, Alexia Smith, Ashlea Turner.