The young stars of Shepparton’s netball scene continue to shine ever-brighter.
Shepparton Swans standout Harriet Gall and top Shepparton prospect Mackenzie O’Dwyer are leading the charge after their latest recognition.
Following the recent National Netball Championships, Netball Australia announced its 66-strong set of under-17 and under-19 squad representatives with both local prodigies making the cut.
O’Dwyer is named in the under-17 contingent, while Gall makes the under-19 squad.
The two prodigies are named under their Bendigo Strikers affiliation, where both compete at underage level in the Victorian Netball League, but local observers know the girls best for their respective exploits in Goulburn Valley League.
Swans coach Jana Riordan beamed with pride at one of her stars continuing to earn her way forward.
“It’s so exciting to have some local girls in there,” Riordan said.
“We’ve been a really talented netball region for a while, but it’s great to have them recognised in these teams.
“We’ve had lots of talent and it’s nice seeing them come through in elite levels.
“Harriet is a really hard worker on and off the court. She’s a real student of netball, she’s been engaged in it and she’s been bettering herself.
“It’s nice to see her rewarded for that.”
O’Dwyer and Gall made returns to Goulburn Valley League courts last weekend as centres, but will expect to further their prospects elsewhere for portions of the year.
They will ship off to Canberra’s Australian Institute of Sport facility in July as part of the national squads to train under the watch of Netball Australia.
“We really missed Harriet for the two rounds she was away and we’re looking forward to having her when she’s available,” Riordan said.
“She’s a really lovely human and a really great team person. I’ve grown up being involved with Harriet at the Swans for a long time and getting to play with her is nice.
“She really works hard at it, she’s deserving and has a lot of potential as well; if anyone can do it, she can.”