After playing for the Tasmanian team at the under-19 Australian championships earlier this year, Gisborne netballer Madeline Stewart set a goal of making the Victorian under-21 team for next year’s championships.
Stewart missed out on the Victorian team this year and jumped at the chance to play with Tasmania as an import player.
It was this experience that made her want to play for her home state just a little bit more this time round.
Last week, Stewart was announced as part of the Victorian under-21 team which will play in the national championships in March.
“I didn’t expect it. I’m really excited and looking forward to training and the tournament,” the 19-year-old said last week.
“I thought I’d had a good year, but it was a little injured riddled after the VNL [Victorian Netball League] season.
“There’s been a strong group of defenders and mid-courters the whole way through the age groups though.
“I had a lot more opportunity to play VNL and benefited from that.”
It was that extra court time in the VNL with Melbourne University Storm that Stewart put down to helping her game the most.
“I’ve been really lucky,” she said. “One of the players who was picked for the team was injured and didn’t take to the court all year
“I worked hard and found a good partnership with the goalkeeper.
“It’s the first year I’ve completely played in championship division.”
Stewart’s game has also benefited from playing a number of different positions.
While wing defence and goal defence are her favourite positions, she has made her name for herself at goal attack with Gisborne in the Bendigo Netball League.
“VNL and footy netball are very different,” she said.
“I’m not tall enough to play in the circle forever as a defender, so I really want to develop as a wing defence.
“It’s completely different with Gisborne. I like shooting when my goals go in.
“It’s different perspective. I think of doing things I hate goal attacks doing against me.
“It has helped with my netball.”
Stewart’s next goal is to make Australian Netball League side, Vic Fury.
“I trialled for them this year, but being so young I was never going to get in.
“I would also like to win a VNL premiership.”
With her local netball with Gisborne, Stewart is looking at possibly spending more time in defence next season.
“We have a really good goaler coming across from a Bendigo side, so I might go back into defence.
“We are trying to get a few more players. We are looking forward to next season with all the grades.”
Gisborne is looking for an A-grade coach for next season.
