She’s come on in leaps and bounds. She’s a kid who wants to learn and play better. Vashti’s the ideal athlete for a coach to have in netball.
- Jodie House
Wodonga Raiders defender Vashti Muller has survived the latest round of cuts for the Victorian under-19 netball side.
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Muller, 17, is in a 26-member squad which will be trimmed to 12 after four more training sessions in Melbourne.
Fellow Ovens and Murray players Elyse Boyer, Ellouise Shanahan and Mackensey House have also been involved in the selection trials.
The bottom-age player downplayed her chances of making the final cut later this month.
“I’m honoured to have gone this far but a little shocked,” the St Paul’s College Walla student said.
“About 50 girls were asked to trial and they have narrowed it down since then.
“It’s been good experience.”
Muller is the second former Henty junior to make the squad after North Albury’s Nakita Singe represented the state earlier this year.
Raiders coach Jodie House said Muller had improved dramatically over the past 12 months.
“She’s come along in leaps and bounds,” House said.
“She’s a kid who wants to learn and play better.
“Vashti’s the ideal athlete for a coach to have in netball.”
After playing as a goalshooter for Henty in under-16s, Muller joined North Albury in 2017 and crossed to Wodonga Raiders this year.
She is now playing at goal defence and goalkeeper.
Muller’s next training session will be held on Sunday with the final side to be announced later this month for the national championships.
“Jodie’s been an amazing coach,” Muller said.
“She’s taught me so much.”
Muller proved a surprise packet in the Ovens and Murray’s Toni Wilson Medal this year, finishing equal fourth on 20 votes.
She came home behind Corowa-Rutherglen’s Sophie Hanrahan (27), Wangaratta’s Hannah Grady (25) and Lavington’s Rhiannon Dolahenty (23).
North Albury’s Brenna Heagney and Yarrawonga’s Eliza York took part in the under-17 trials.
The O and M has churned out many state players including Jane Cook, Jacqui Newton and Breda O’Kane.