By Jonty Ralphsmith
Young Hampton Park netball dynamo Sienna Wilson has been invited to trial at the Under-17 Victorian State team trials in November.
Wilson’s talent was identified following her continued development at Hampton Park Netball Club, as well as strong form in interleague and representative teams.
A versatile player with long reach and excellent size and athleticism, the 14-year-old has mostly plied her trade in defence in 2024.
As well as playing in two of Hampton Park’s three junior sides and taking part in representative opportunities, Wilson also trains with the senior squad which helps develop her understanding of the game.
“It’s good training with the seniors because they do more structured drills and are the next step up,” Wilson said.
“It’s good here because all the girls get along really well and we learn a lot from each other and the tightness has helped all of us this season. The club has been a good support.”
The integration of senior and junior players is a key focus at the club and significant factor behind the growth.
Several A-Grade netballers help coach the three junior teams, while Wilson, as well as Charlotte Kaye and Emma Hendy are among the players who train with the seniors, while Allara Warena also played interleague netball.
It strengthens the culture of the club and eases the transition of junior netballers into the senior side.
Wilson has been heavily coached by Nicole Van Brakel, both at representative side Gippsland Storm and at Hampton Park.
Van Brakel joined the Redbacks last season, with the quality of junior coaching assisting the sustainability and appeal of the club by ensuring players maximise their talent.
Having seen Wilson develop since her second year playing the sport, Van Brakel sees a bright future for the young Spider.
““She’s a very versatile player – her netball knowledge is really good,” Van Brakel said.
“She’s predominantly in defence now but if I need someone to go down the other end just to mix it up and throw something different down there, she can do it. A few weeks ago, she shot nine goals for me.”
Van Brakel highlighted Wilson’s coachability, with the coach seeing potential leadership qualities in her as she can share knowledge with teammates.
“It’s her ability to read the space which separates her,” Van Brakel said.
“She can put her long arms and long legs in space to shutdown play.
“Some players will stand hand over ball no matter what whereas she’ll weigh up whether she should stand hands over ball or drop back and block space and put my height in this space which is something we worked on towards the end of last year.
“Her understanding of what needs to be done, how to position her body and knowing her teammates is really good as well.”
A former Hampton Park junior herself, Van Brekkel has enjoyed seeing the club’s holistic growth since returning.
“It’s great to see the way so many people believe in it and no one is in it for themselves, they’re all there to make the club grow and for the kids,” Van Brakel said.
“My number one thing is that it has to be about the kids having fun which they are.”
