Netball


By Joanne Vella

Goal-Shooter Amy Wild’s sharp aim has already lifted the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) to the top of the table in the State League Competition this season.

And the Bossley Park resident hopes her point-scoring abilities will mirror that form in the inaugural Australian Netball League (ANL) challenge, starting on August 2.

Wild was selected for the NSW Waratahs in the 10-team national challenge, to be played over six weekends.

At 18, the NSWIS scholarship holder is one of the babies, not only among her teammates but in the league, which will pit her against veterans from other states and New Zealand.

“I’m the third youngest (in the NSW Waratahs), she said.

Netball NSW created the ANL as a stepping stone to the Australian New Zealand Championship.

Wild believes the exposure to a more intense level than the State League can only benefit her.

“I think competing against different states and the different ability levels really helps me because the ANL girls will be a bit older,” she said.

Wild has represented her state since she was 15, the same year she played for the Australian School-girls side.

Three years on, she hopes her skills can deliver her selection for her country again. “I think I’m pretty quick and strong in the air,” she said. “At every game, there’s going to be coaches watching from everywhere, Australia and New Zealand.”

The Waratahs first match on August 2 is against Queensland at the State Netball Centre in Brisbane.

With Thanks

9th July 2008