SOPHIE Barr and Eliza Dwyer are two south-west netballers hoping to help Victoria seek redemption at the national netball championships in Adelaide.
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While the 19-and-under team is out to improve on its disappointing third at last year's titles, the 17-and-under side is hoping to go one better.
It was dealt a shattering blow last year when it went down to South Australia by two goals in the final.
North Warrnambool Eagles' Eliza will represent the 17- and-under side, which will be coached by Leesa Gallard.
The side will arrive in Adelaide today before the championships start tomorrow.
"Our training's been really tough but it's been good because it's brought us all closer together as teammates," Eliza, 16, said.
"We've been training every Sunday in Melbourne.
"It's mostly court work and game play and that helps with our fitness."
The goal shooter said she was nervous but excited about making her nationals debut.
"I think South Australia, New South Wales and ACT are going to be tough," she said.
"We will just be doing the best we can, which hopefully will make us one of the top teams."
Barr is in the 19-and-under side, coached by Robynn Pym.
"Two years ago our 17s side won the national title with the same coach and nine of the 12 players (from that squad are) in this year's team, so we've got pretty high expectations," she said.
"Two of our mid-courters were injured during training in the lead-up ? but they're fine now so we should be right, as long as everyone holds up."
Barr nominated South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales as the teams to beat.
"We beat New South Wales by a goal two years ago, so they're always a rival," she said.
She expects to play wing attack, centre and perhaps wing defence.
Barr, who plays with Eagles, will not play regularly this season due to university and work commitments in Melbourne.
The titles finish on Monday.
