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BORDER netball young guns Jane Cook and Jacqui Newton will play for Australia.
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Both are in the national 19 and under squads following last weekend’s Australian championships in Sydney.
But while Newton started every game for the Victorians including a loss in extra time in the decider, Cook was in Wodonga after her role in the national 21-and-under competition where again the Vics were silver medallists.
Both are bottom-age players in the national side.
Cook was surprised to be selected despite playing all but two quarters in the 21-and-under titles in Caloundra.
“I thought I put out a strong performance in the 21s but wasn’t at the 19s trials and so wasn’t sure what to expect,” she said.
“Knowing Jacqui will be there is a bonus — we have been partners in crime in elite netball and it’s a huge advantage having someone there you know so well.”
It is a double celebration for Cook with the Wodonga Senior Secondary College Year 12 student recently awarded the sporting blue for netball in the state.
The college first won a blue, given for each mainstream sport, when Jarrem Pearce won the Stawell Gift in 2000.
Cook said the Ovens and Murray had been a big factor in her development.
The 198-centimetre goalshooter juggles training at Wodonga Bulldogs on Tuesday and Thursday with playing for the City West Falcons in the Victorian Netball League on Wednesday nights and Ovens and Murray on Saturday.
North Albury’s Newton is also part of the City West Falcons side, while former Lavington gun and fellow Victorian 19 and under player Emily Browne is also at the club.
“Playing Ovens and Murray A grade has been a huge advantage for the girls from up here,” Cook said.
“It’s tough, fast and demanding and certainly right up to the standard of the elite levels we face now.
“But I have a way to go — my height is a massive advantage but I’m working on my movement in the ring and driving out of the circle.
“I’m also juggling my final year of school. Ideally I would also be in the gym, working on getting stronger.”
The 19 and under squad, coached by Tania Obst and Australian Diamonds assistant coach Michelle den Dekker, will compete in the Trans-Tasman tournament at Rotorua in May, with the squad split into two teams.
Obst said such international experience at such a young age invaluable.
“We hope this will help them push to future Australian selections,” she said.