Barooga native and Shepparton star Mackenzie O’Dwyer is set to represent the Victoria 19-and-under side at the national championships in Sydney across April 10-16.
O’Dwyer, who earned selection in the Australian 17-and-under squad, will be one of the stars at the talent-laden event.
In an interview with Netball Victoria, O’Dwyer said she was honoured to be selected among Victoria’s top 19-and-under netballers.
“I didn't really know where I would fit … so I didn't really expect a lot to come out of it," O'Dwyer said.
"I just thought I’d trial and see what comes of it.
“Just being my age and seeing obviously how good the talent was in the top 25 … I was very shocked.”
O’Dwyer is fast emerging as one to watch on the court for the future.
She has earned a 2025 scholarship to the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) and has been selected in Melbourne Mavericks' reserve side for the competition's maiden season.
Representing Victoria alongside O’Dwyer at the carnival will be a trio of coaches from the Goulburn Valley.
Nathalia co-coach Jacinta Todd (coach of the 17-and-under side), Echuca coach Belinda Lees (assistant coach of the 19-and-under squad) and former Tatura coach Fiona Boyer (19-and-under apprentice coach) will work together to teach the next generation of Victorian netball talent.
O’Dwyer credited her former coach at Shepparton and current Mavericks reserve coach Tracey Brereton for her fast-tracked development on the court.
“I was really lucky,” she said.
“Tracey mirrored a lot of what we’d do at state training back at Shepparton … but once you go to state training, you’ve got everyone pushing you and just wanting you to be better.
“The people around you are really important.”
Having earned a bronze medal for Victoria's 17-and-under side in 2024 with five of her current 19-and-under teammates, O’Dwyer said she was excited to return to the court with some familiar faces.
“I think we have such a good group this year, especially because a lot of us have played together,” she said.
“We've been in state with each other for probably three years now and it's become a really good environment.
“We're there to push each other as hard as we can so we can strive for what we want to do at nationals.
“You want to push to get Victoria back in the top spot … I really, really want to get a good result with our group.”
The Victorian 19-and-under side will play seven regular matches in total before semi-finals and the grand final on April 16.
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