From representing Victoria at the national 15-and-under championships in July to making her Goulburn Valley League A-grade debut, Shepparton netballer Mackenzie O’Dwyer has taken her game to new heights in 2022.
But if you ask the 14-year-old about her long list of accomplishments in the sport, her response is quite simple.
“I’m just getting started.”
Currently in the off-season, O’Dwyer has been hard at work preparing for her 2023 campaign, one which could have her don the famous Big V as part of the state’s 17-and-under squad.
After a rigorous trial period, O’Dwyer has been selected in the final 25 for the state team, with one more cut set to determine whether she is part of the final side for the national netball championships early next year.
Another feather in her cap as a budding netball star, she said reaching this stage of the trials was something she did not expect.
“I am very excited to have made it this far, I wasn’t really expecting it going in, especially being bottom-aged,” O’Dwyer said.
“My mindset was to just go out there, have fun and see how far I could get, it’s been great trying to prove myself against the other top players in the state.
“There is always nerves there (during the trials), but once you are out there you realise you are just playing with girls that are in the same position as you, so you just have to give it your all.”
As for what has sparked O’Dwyer’s improvement as a netballer, she said the decision to move from her home town club Barooga to Shepparton had been pivotal in unlocking her talent.
“The move to Bears was definitely very needed and it has helped with my development immensely,” she said.
“The move has given me lots of opportunity to play at a higher level and access to coaches like Jacinta Todd and Tracey Brereton who have been incredible for me.
“I have loved being part of the club here at Bears.”
As a result of her move to the Bears, O’Dwyer also got the opportunity to make her A-grade debut.
Being a 14-year-old battling it out against the top adult talent the region has to offer, O’Dwyer said the experience was invaluable.
“The intensity and the pace of the game is a lot different when you get to A-grade,” she said.
“But I loved it, stepping up and getting a run at that level was something I really embraced and it has really helped me get better as a player.
“That is the level I want to get too, so being able to see it close up and go against some of the great players in the GVL was just incredible.”
For O’Dwyer the final round of state trials, which will occur on December 17, are now her primary focus.
She said having the opportunity to represent Victoria at the 17-and-under level would be a dream come true.
“Going to nationals and playing for your state is always a massive honour,” she said.
“It’s a great chance to test yourself at that high level and make a lot of new friends along the way.
“So in this last round of trials I’m just going to give it my all, I can’t leave anything behind and fingers crossed that will be enough to get me in the team.”