Sky’s the limit for high-flying Walters

BRUCE Waldron is a good judge of talent.

And the respected St Mary’s coach has declared “the sky’s the limit” for 16year-old star Emma Walters as she makes her A Grade debut today.

In a week where she was also named in the under-17 Australian squad, Walters will take another giant leap in playing for the Saints in their clash against Leopold.

“Bruce called me on Wednesday saying I’ve got the call-up for A grade,” Walters said. “It took me a couple seconds to process because I was so surprised, but I was extremely excited and thrilled with the opportunity that I have been given.”

Waldron, who has watched the talented playmaker rise from the juniors to the senior ranks, described Walters as an “exceptional talent”.

“She’s pretty special,” Waldron said.

“She’s Patrick Dangerfield’s cousin and she’s very powerful. She needs a parachute to come down ... she jumps well.

“She can play in a number of positions, but I think the best thing about her is she’s just so humble.

“In the junior section, there’s not one bit of arrogance. She’s just a great person. You build clubs around people like that.

“She’s an ideal role model for her peers and the younger girls. She fits in seamlessly and is mature beyond her age.”

In her third year at the Saints, Walters has spent the season at junior level, while playing two games in B Grade.

Waldron had considered blooding her in the seniors last season, but opted not to overload the future star.

“It’s all about her other commitments — and how much we have her is pretty much dependent on Emma,” Waldron said.

“She’s in the Australian under-17 team now, I imagine she’s in the VIS and she plays VNL for Hume City Falcons.

“So she’s got a full book and she’s trying to balance it all, plus play juniors and seniors with St Mary’s. We’re happy to have her when we can have her.”

Earmarked as a potential Super Netball player, Walters is one to watch. “She’s got that wow factor. Her potential is endless,” Waldron said. “The sky’s the limit.”