The diminutive Anya Bonner is a fierce competitor out on the rink.
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But that size – or lack thereof – is indicative of how the plucky Tasmanian is tackling the top end of inline hockey front on.
“Yeah, I’ve got big hopes for the future to follow the sport,” a hopeful Bonner said.
The variation of ice hockey, played on surfaces ranging from wood to asphalt and tile to concrete, is a niche sport.
So much so that 17-year-old Bonner struggles to find many her age and gender in Launceston to play against.
The three-time state representative has been selected for Australia for the first time at the junior world championships this July in Italy.
“I don’t play with others in my division,” she said.
“I play up against 40-year-olds because we don’t have enough people of my age. Generally, those 40-year-old men don’t go easy on me either so I do come away with a lot of injuries.
“It’s scary in that way, but it’s good for my game.”
Size is not restricted to her lightly-built 160-centimetre frame. Playing out of the gritty, undersized rink inside the Mowbray Indoor Sport ‘n’ Skate has its pros and cons.
I do come away with a lot of injuries
- Anya Bonner
Bonner is expecting to be tested against the best in the world where size – of the rink, at least – does matter.
“The key thing in my mind is the rink [in Italy] is just going to be massive compared to here in Launceston, which is quite tiny,” the St Patrick’s College student said.
“So it’s going to be a massive change; it’ll be huge for me.
“I can’t remember what the size of it is in Launceston, but it’s the smallest in Australia we compete on.
“The one I played at earlier this year is Olympic size.
“So when I go away, I can’t really keep up the skating.”
On the Mowbray rink, Bonner has honed her skills working in close quarters to keep up with the Czechs, the Mexicans, even the Kiwis.
In that way, the arena has proven a sizeable filip for another star Launceston Inline Hockey Club player.
India Atkins will also travel to Italy to play for Australia.
The 23-year-old is no stranger to the elite game.
Paying up to several thousands of dollars each time to compete at three Oceania titles and now her third worlds is a sign of the dedication to the roller version of hockey.
Commitment is crucial, according to Australian team manager Kim Simeon.
“We look at not just Anya on the rink and what she can contribute, but also off the rink,” Simeon said.
“We need a team that will gel quickly being from different states.
“We see who can work well together and that’s where Anya shines for us.
“It’s what we believe she can contribute to the team.
“This is her first year, but we don’t look at just these world championships.
“We are looking at the future as well, as we already see some great skills from Anya.”