NEXT-GEN TALENT MAKE THEIR MARK
QUEENSLAND netball’s future could not be brighter given the high class teenage talent on offer.
A dozen youngsters were in either the under 17 or under 19 national squads, while the Queensland junior representative teams were bludging with brilliant youngsters.
In the last 12 months the likes of Rylee Burns, Maddi Ridley, Lily Gribble, Danielle Taylor, Eden Cassidy, Michaela Kadlecek, Hayley McGruther, Georgina Roy and Reilley Batcheldor have swept through the under 19 ranks, and now the next generation of teens were making their mark.
Here’s five of Queensland’s best netballers aged 19 years or under, including three Darling Downs products. For the full list go to thechronicle.com.au/sport
KAYLIN VAN GREUNEN (DARLING DOWNS PANTHERS)
One of the best juniors in the business, the Darling Downs sharpshooter is another national under 17 squad member who was ahead of her time in 2021 when she made the Queensland 17s – aged just 15.
HALLE WEBSTER (DARLING DOWNS PANTHERS)
The young gun from the rich sporting pastures of the Darling Downs, Queensland under 17 selection Webster joins fellow club mate Kaylin van Greunen (Qld under 19s) in state squad training for the right to win a place in the state side bound for the nationals in 2023.
AVA BLACK (USC THUNDER)
Renowned for her athletic ability, the 184cm tall Black can cover all three centre court positions after reinventing herself following a career as a wing defence. Originally from Toowoomba, the Sunshine Coast Lightning’s midcourter joins Ervin as an Australian under 19 squad member after first announcing herself in senior netball as the 2020 Sapphire Series Most Valuable Player.
ASHLEIGH ERVIN (BOND UNIVERSITY, IPSWICH JETS)
The 191cm tall 19-year-old grew up as a sharp shooter but it is down the other end of the court that she is making a name for herself. A Firebirds list player, Ervin captained the Queensland under 19s team at the nationals in April and is now a member of the Australian under 19 squad.
ISABELLE SHEARER (FRENCHVILLE)
From the sporting city of Rockhampton, she has been a name on the netball community’s lips for several years after storming into two Australian squads as a 16-year-old in 2020. A current Australian under 19 squad member, the Frenchville junior continues to go from strength to strength.