The Warrnambool teenager, 18, will represent Victoria as it vies for the Marie Little OAM Shield at an all-abilities competition in October – just two years after picking up the sport.

“I’d been watching it on TV and my sisters played so that sort of inspired me to play netball,” she said.

Grace expects to play in defence as Victoria battles for a medal at the Brisbane-based tournament.

“It’s a privilige and it’s a big step to be able to play against different states,” she said.

The Warrnambool Specialist School student, who wants to become a hairdresser when she graduates, is hoping a former Warrnambool Stingers teammate will be an opponent at nationals.

Ehlana Wilkinson, herself an ex-Victorian player, is trying out for the Queensland team after moving north last week.

“I said it would be fun to play against each other and she said ‘I will kick your bum’,” Grace joked.

Grace trains twice a week and also plays in a Warrnambool City Netball B grade team. She will travel to Melbourne for seven training runs with her Victorian teammates.