Mahni, 15, said her selection in the Australian Budgies under 16 schoolgirls team stemmed from a successful Victorian debut this month.

The Emmanuel College student played for Victoria’s under 18 side at the Australian Indigenous Schoolgirls Netball Carnival in Queensland.

Mahni said she was surprised to make an Australian Budgies side.

“It was exciting. I didn’t think I’d have a chance at all,” she said.

Teams in different age groups from Australia, Tonga and New Zealand will play in the Australian Budgies tournament in Queensland in July.

Mahni tried out for the Victorian team in Geelong in December.

She was one of 60 players from around the state vying for state honours. 

Mahni said her side finished third at the Australian Indigenous Schoolgirls Netball Carnival. “Goal attack was my main spot and I played centre and through the mid-court,” she said. Mahni has joined South Warrnambool for the 2013 Hampden league season. The former Merrivale player said encouragement from outgoing Tigers coach Danielle McInerney to test herself at a higher level was the catalyst for her move.

Mahni finished fourth in the Warrnambool and District league 15 and under best and fairest in 2012.

She said she was training with South Warrnambool’s 17 and under side under former A grade coach Gill Herrmann and hoped to challenge for A grade games this season.

“It is a goal of mine to get there,” Mahni said.

justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au