The 19-year-old has been announced as one of 15 players selected in the Victorian Fury squad ahead of this year's Australian Netball Championships.
But while the competition had been on Mawson's radar, Fury selection was far from something the rising star expected any time soon.
“Not at all, this is my first season playing in the Victorian Netball League, so no, not at all, very unexpected and exciting,” Mawson said.
After taking out Echuca's A-grade best-and-fairest as a 17-year-old in 2019, Mawson has been seen in action this year with Melbourne University Lightning after moving to the city for school.
With selectors watching on for the first eight rounds of the season, Mawson has stood out in a star-studded team, averaging 18.4 goals a game for second-placed Lightning and shooting at 78 per cent.
“I've been super lucky to come into a good team. We've played really well this season,” Mawson said.
“We have a couple of Vixens training partners in the team, so that definitely helps.”
With her club producing the most representatives for the Fury of any VNL club — with five — Mawson is looking forward to sharing the experience with her teammates.
“It makes it much less nerve-racking. Knowing there is five of us, it makes you more comfortable heading into training,” she said.
“Especially Jordan (Cransberg), I play with her as wing attack-goal attack, so I'm playing with her closely a lot, so I think that will help.”
Like most Victorians, Mawson missed plenty of netball last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the break, though tough, hasn't done Mawson any disservice as she quickly returned to form.
“Last year was pretty hard for everyone and the motivation was the hardest thing for me, being at home,” Mawson said.
“I just tried to keep myself generally fit. I didn't play much netball during that time, but I don't think that was a bad thing.
“A lot of netball training without playing is a bit frustrating, so coming into this season, I was really excited to get back on the court.”
And with more specialised coaching at the Lightning, Mawson continues to come into her own as a goal attack with the help of coach, and former Melbourne Vixen, Elissa Kent.
“She's worked closely with me and I think I've developed more specific skills as a goaler,” Mawson said.
“Like small tactical things, it's more focused. Previous to this year, I would play a bit of midcourt, bit of goals, but haven't really specialised in a position.
“So her training has been much more specific to my role in the team and helped me grow as a goal attack.”
Ahead of this year's championships, the Fury squad will begin its assault on the title with three training sessions, although that is expected to ramp up to weekly sessions closer to the competition-opener.
The initial squad will be cut to 12, with the remaining three staying on as training partners. But this isn't fazing Mawson, who is just excited about her first Fury experience.
“It's a new experience, so I'm just looking forward to getting to play with some different girls and learn from some different coaches,” she said.
“I'm excited to learn something new, just soak up as much as I can. I wasn't expecting to get into this, but it's just another opportunity where I can develop even more.”
The championships, which replaces the Australian Netball League, will be contested in Traralgon from September 11-19.
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