Tess Maxwell will be doing her best to maintain Australia’s dominance against its Trans-Tasman rival when she heads to New Zealand with the under 17 Combined Australian Netball Association side this week.By Marc McGowan
ENDEAVOUR Hills netballer Tess Maxwell will defy a fear of flying this week to travel to New Zealand and play for the under 17 Combined Australian Netball Association (CANA) championship team.
Maxwell, 16, started playing the sport because her mother and grandmother were Doveton YCW netballers.
She too plays at Doveton and is rapidly climbing the ranks since being talent-spotted at a tournament last year.
An invitation to try-out for State League netball side Frankston Peninsula was successful and the wing attack/centre has been suiting up for the top-placed under 17 division one team, as well as still playing for Doveton, this season.
“The try-outs were good competition because I was against really good girls who were all at the same level and all knew what to do,” Maxwell said.
“I had to do two or three try-outs and then they chose the team, but they said it wouldn’t be set and girls may be moved around.
“I’ve been lucky enough to have stayed in the top team.”
Last year was memorable for more than her opportunity to try-out and ultimately become a State League netballer.
In September, Maxwell represented Cranbourne North at the annual CANA tournament, where her quality performances helped book her flight overseas this week.
As part of the squad she will play matches against a representative New Zealand team.
“It was kind of overwhelming being chosen.
“I’m just hoping to play as well as I can and hoping for the best,” the year 11 student at St John’s Regional College Dandenong said.
“There could be people there (scouting players), but I won’t be heartbroken if nothing comes of it – the experience is enough.”
The selection has been made even more memorable by the inclusion of fellow Endeavour Hills resident, Cranbourne North team-mate and Maxwell’s good friend Kelly Roberts.
“We’ve been playing together since we both started,” Maxwell said.
“It’s good because I don’t think many of the other girls know each other, but when I go there I want to get to know the other girls as well.”
The talented teenager has a strong passion for the sport and is keen to take her skills to the higher level.
“It keeps me fit and I’ve been playing for a really long time. I’m really competitive and it’s something I really enjoy,” Maxwell said.
“I want to go as far as I can with it.
“Going to New Zealand is a good opportunity to be seen, but I’m just enjoying doing it for now and doing school at the same time.”
The cause will be aided by the standard of netball Maxwell plays with Frankston Peninsula and the elite coaching available to her.
“When I play for my State League team, the coach writes in a journal something everyone needs to improve on,” she said.
“It’s better than being told you had the perfect game because it makes you learn more and means you are always bettering yourself.”
Maxwell also demonstrated her loyalty to Frankston Peninsula and graciousness at being given a chance when being quizzed about what she would think about a Casey side entering State League ranks.
“With Frankston Peninsula on top of the ladder at the moment and with how happy I am with my State League side, I’d probably stay with Frankston,” she said.
“They gave me the opportunity and without them I possibly wouldn’t have made this level.”
