After a busy year, which included a move to join the national squad in Perth, Bartam played a part in Australia’s win at the International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne last weekend.

Bartram substituted with leading goalkeeper Ashlee Wells quarter-for-quarter as Australia secured victory at the inaugural event.

The Hockeyroos’ 3-1 win last Sunday against India was enough to clinch the title.

“It was an amazing experience because it was my first tournament with the Hockeyroos,” Bartam said.

“I'd played a game before that, but it was the first real tournament setup I've been to.

“It was incredible just to see the setup that goes into those international tournaments and to have the opportunity to play at the highest level.”

Bartam, who has four national caps under her belt, is currently the third choice keeper in the national squad behind Wells and the experienced Rachael Lynch.

However, the 23-year-old is the youngest of the three and said 2016 was about learning and getting a feel for the sport at the top flight.

“In four years time, when Tokyo comes around, I'll have more of an idea and be more prepared to really put my hat in the ring for selection,” Bartram said.

“Four years is a long time so I'll be hoping to get more experience on the field. It's a big part of goalkeeping to have that game experience to help with decision making.

“I’ll be working on my speed and agility in the goalmouth and just my overall confidence and well-being.”

Whilst getting back to the Border to visit is becoming increasingly difficult, Bartram has never forgotten her beloved home town.

“I love it when they handout programs (at tournaments) and they have your name, age and your home town. I just love seeing Albury on there, it’s such a big sport for the community and it’s great to see so many youngsters coming through,” she said.

“I even met a few of them that came to watch the games in Melbourne and to hear them say ‘it’s wonderful to see you play because it makes me think I can do it too’ is special.

“It’s incredible to know I can be an outside mentor to them and give them hope they can do it from the country and Albury is a great place to do it from.”

Bartram will continue to make the most of her extended break before the Hockeyroos first international tournament of 2017 rolls around in late March. 

“We didn’t have much of a Christmas break last year and kept rolling into in preparation for Rio,” she said.

“We’re waiting for the new coach to be announced and they will decide that when training starts back.

“There is still lots of gym programs and running programs to complete, but it’s nice to be able to do it in our own time.”