Douglass wins gold at national champs

A ROOSTER was amongst the magpies at the Australian Netball Championships last month.

North Ballarat Netball Club player Poppy Douglass represented Collingwood at the comp at Morayfield, Queensland, winning gold with a 57 to 55 victory over the Swifts Academy.

“We went in with a never-say-die attitude, and it all ended up working our way,” she said.

Douglass trained for a month for the championships which ran for five days, just outside of Brisbane.

“A lot of the teams we played had girls that were contracted Suncorp Super Netball players, so we went in aiming to give it our best crack, and to see how we went,” she said.

“There was one game every day, two pools, a bye day, and the finals at the end. The other teams were intimidating, and the calibre of girls was so strong.”

New to the group, Douglass entered the tournament not expecting too much, but said she was pleased by the opportunities and court time she was given, and the friendships made.

“I didn’t know a lot of the girls beforehand, they’re all a bit older than me, but the group were amazing, and I loved the coach,” she said. “It was such a thrill.”

A player in the Victorian Netball League, Douglass trialled with Collingwood Academy, got into the squad, and was successful again when she trialled for the ANC team.

Initially named a training partner, Douglass was elevated to play the comp when another teammate couldn’t, due to them representing Tonga at the World Cup.

Returning to training at North Ballarat last week, she said she was proud to have represented her home club, and regional Victoria, on the national stage.

“Eleven out of 12 on the team were country girls, and I think that was really special,” she said.

“Coming to training tonight where little girls are playing, it shows them anything is possible.

“Growing up, I always looked up to other girls in netball, and it’s cool to be that now for someone else.”