When Riddells Creek’s Tilly Allen steps onto the netball court, she feels right at home.
The 15-year-old grew up around the netball courts with her mum heavily involved in coaching and it was no surprise she followed in her footsteps.
Now she is seen as one of the top under-17 players in the state.
Tilly said it had been a whirlwind few years on the court.
“It is starting to become real,” she said. “Nationals come pretty quickly. ”
Allen competed at the School Sport Victoria 15 and Under national competition last year as a bottom-age athlete.
She was again selected in the team this year and was named captain of the team which finished runners up.
Allen said it was easier this time round knowing what she was walking into.
“I knew stepping on the court that I had to bring my best,” she said. “Being captain was a once in a lifetime opportunity and it was such a great group of girls.”
As the tournament finished, Allen was named in the All-Australian squad for the best players across all the sides.
She said that came as a shock when she heard her name called out.
There was no rest for Allan as she then trialled for the under-17 state netball squad the next day.
While a bottom-age athlete, she progressed through to the final 50 and then into the last 25.
It means she’s now part of the Netball Victoria elevate program, designed to prepare athletes for future elite pathways.
“It’s really exciting and I was kind of not expecting it,” she said. “It hasn’t hit me yet that I’m in the squad,
“I think it will when I start in the gym and on court. In the elevate program you train Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays.
“The extra training will help with fitness and basic skills along with my smartness on the court.
“It will be really good.”
Allen said it would mean everything to make the final squad and she’s putting in the hard work to try and make the team.
While she’s starting to get involved in the state under-17 program, the Salesian College student is busy with local netball as well.
She’s part of Riddell’s under-19 side for a second straight season.
Despite her young age, the goaler has already made her A-grade debut.
“I was excited,” she said. “It was nerve wracking and a bit more physical and tougher.
“I would love [to play in A-grade next year]. It helped my netball so much.”
Allen has signed with Victorian Netball League club Western Warriors as part of the next step in her journey.
She said playing for Australia would be a dream come true.
