A gold medal & a national squad call-up

Former Millicent netballers enjoy team & individual success at national championships

Redemption. That is what former Millicent netballer Lucy Denton (pictured right in action and with the team’s leadership team at the presentation) enjoyed at this month’s 2023 National Netball Championship when, as vice captain of the South Australian 19 & Under team, she was able to be part of the gold medal winning line-up – a team that suffered a heartbreaking narrow loss at the 2022 event.

And Lucy’s form at the national championships did not go unnoticed with her selection as one of six SA athletes to be named in the 19 & Under Australian squad.

Another former Millicent player Annelise Janssen (pictured inset), who was part of the 17 & Under South Australian team that finished fifth, also recognised for her performance with selection in the 17 & under national squad.

The squads were selected by a panel made up of Netball Australia’s Pathway Head Coach Anita Keelan, chair of selectors Michelle Wilkins and selector Jacqui Illman.

Wilkins said the 2023 National Netball Championships highlighted the bright future of Australian netball.

“The 2023 National Netball Championships was one of the most tightly contested competitions in many years,”

Wilkins said. “The shooting ability from both age groups demonstrated impressive skill to react under pressure, the midcourt craft showed great depth and variety, and the defensive talent was both athletic and exciting.”

Lucy and her State team mates went through the 2023 championships undefeated before defeating Western Australia in the title decider by 11 goals after a dominant final quarter which they won, 15-5.

Annelise and her team mates also won their play off match to secure fifth place by 11 goals.