Decade-long journey sees Sherriff gallop into national squad

Having begun playing at the age of just four, the Northern Hawks defender is celebrating her first call-up to the Australian 17-and-under squad.

"I'm really grateful that I get to have this experience. It's really exciting," said Sherriff who progressed into the Hawks' 15s program and is playing her first season in the state league 19-and-unders.

"My mum has always been into netball and there was a club at Deloraine so it was easy to get into. There's not as many options in Deloraine so I started, enjoyed it and kept going."

The 15-year-old Launceston-born Deloraine High School student learned plenty from her maiden national netball championships in Frankston, and admitted she was surprised to earn the Australian call-up.

"It was a really cool experience. It was good seeing how to play against different styles. I played all the mid-court positions whereas I play circle defence for Hawks so it was a bit different and a step up in intensity compared to that.

"But I enjoy all the positions and it was a really nice chance to get a run around and I enjoyed it. You cover more space so do have to be fitter because players are a bit faster."

Selected alongside Cavaliers' Sophie Brewer in the Australian 17-and-unders, Sherriff can't wait for the opportunity to train at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

"It's very exciting and I'm a bit nervous," she said.

"This is my first year in the state team. I was a bit shocked but it's pretty cool. I definitely was not expecting it, but it was a nice surprise.

"I don't really have any goals in particular, just see how far I can push myself."

Netball Australia has announced 66 athletes from around the country who will form the 17-and-under and 19-and-under national squads for 2024.

Selected based on a range of attributes, including demonstrated skill and the potential for performance growth, the players will have the opportunity to elevate their netball skills during the year.