National berth puts Sarah on fast track

PORT Fairy netballer Sarah Moroney believes playing in a successful team at a national tournament will fast-track her development.

Sarah, 17, represented the winning Victorian open-age team at the Australasian Catholic Netball Championships in Adelaide.

The Emmanuel College year 11 student said Victoria was named premier and champion after winning its eight games.

Victoria defeated Queensland 52-21 in the grand final on Friday, 

Sarah, who played with Victorian Netball League 19 and under side Geelong Cougars this season, said Victoria also defeated South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.

“I wanted to go further with my netball and try and make a team like this,” she said.

“It was definitely different to playing Hampden but the year I had with the VNL certainly helped.

“I learned lots. Sometimes it’s more of a mental game.”

Sarah played in the defensive end, predominately as goal defender.

The three-time Hampden league junior best and fairest winner — once as a 15 and under player and twice at 17 and under level — impressed judges.

She was one of five open-age players who received highly commended awards at the Catholic championships.

Sarah said she was surprised by the accolades. 

“They named the top 10 in each age group and after that, five highly commendeds who didn’t quite make the top 10,” she said.

Sarah, who thanked her sponsors, said Victorian coach Ally Hook was a constant help throughout the tournament.

“She really wanted us to be disciplined throughout the games, so we couldn’t have late contact or obstructions,” she said.

justine.mc@standard.fairfax.com.au

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