The 2022 Netball SA state Under 17 and 19 squads have been announced and there is a strong South East flavour.
Four Limestone Coast stars are spread across the teams which will complete weekly training sessions before fronting up at the National Championships at Tasmania in April.
The Under 17’s side Millicent’s Annelise Janssen and Hatherleigh’s Lacey Haines get state call ups.
Shooter Janssen has launched herself into the frame after missing out previously, while Haines progresses from the development team last year.
The top-age Under 19’s outfit has a familiar face leading the Limestone Coast contingent. Star Saint Lucy Denton scores another state bib and will enjoy the company of West Gambier talent Sarah Ritter.
Ritter is another South East netballer to impress selectors enough to rise from the development squad to the top team.
Despite the joy of selection, the hard work only just begins for the four Limestone Coast players. who will look to impress even further on the training track for the next 10 weeks before the April long weekend and the National Championships roll around.
For Denton, it be far from a new experience with 2022 being her fourth straight state callup, this time as a bottom age player in the Under 19’s.
This year it was extra special with fellow South East player Ritter now by her side.
“It was very exciting when we both got announced, especially because I have been the only country player from the South East selected in my team in the past few years,” Denton said.
“So seeing Sarah in the squad was terrific and she will be a great asset to the team.
“I have only really played with her in the Western Border country championships, so it will be good to play with her more often.”
Representing South Australia in the Apple Isle is just one of the many big things in the Saints’ sights in 2022.
After dominating many Western Border battles, Denton has moved to Adelaide to play for Garville in the South Australian Premier League and she hopes her recent experience training as part of the 17 and Under Australian team last year puts her in a good spot for the challenges ahead.
Although the level of work rate and commitment has stepped up at training in the city, the Millicent product said Garville have made her feel at home.
“The transition from Millicent to Adelaide has been pretty smooth, but the large amount of training has kept me really busy,” Denton said.
“I have been training pretty much everyday, which has been intense, but good from the start getting tips from new coaches and working with players at a higher level.
“Garville has been very welcoming from the start and although I have mainly be training at SASI (South Australian Institute of Sport) we had a preseason camp recently and it was great to get to know the players.
“I feel like I have given myself the best opportunity, but I still have to prove myself at Garville.”
