Euphoria was sky high at Inverell Showground on Saturday where the young netballers have been training since April. “It’s time for us to show the city girls that we’ve got talent,” said coach Marlene Thompson. “If you believe in yourself, you can overcome all obstacles.”

She points to the strength of this year’s netball crop. “The girls have team spirit and gel together, and that can be seen on the court.”

Young netballer Elloise Neville from Inverell High School is one of the team members excited to be leaving for Sydney. She sees it as an opportunity to play with more teams and experience a diversity of players and netball styles.

“It can be intimidating to play against tall players with incredible skill and dedication,” she says.

“You’ve just gotta be quick to make up for it.”