THREE Hamilton Kangaroos junior netballers are forging their own path, working hard to break into the Netball Victoria Talent Pathway Program.

Ellorah McConachy, Grace Cleaver and Reet Kaur have been selected for the program’s tryout day in October after strong performances at the recent State Association Championships and along with McConachy’s progress in the South West Academy of Sport (SWAS).

The Kangaroos 15-and-Under trio will trial in Ballarat on October 23 and if successful will be part of the Netball Victoria Under-17 Academy Program next year.

The program focuses on three critical components of the game – technical and tactical, athlete wellbeing and physical preparation.

It is an important step towards state and national selection in the future and each of the three girls are excited about the opportunity to try out for the program.

Cleaver said she was keen to develop her skills and learn new techniques.

“It is a really great opportunity to go out and learn some new skills from different coaches who have been involved in high level netball,” she said.

“(At association champs) I had been playing new positions to what I normally do at club level, which is good to get a feel of the whole court

“I love playing in different positions, gives you a better understanding of the entire game, not just your position.

“It is great to come back to the club and share what you have learnt.”

Kaur, who played alongside Cleaver in the Hampden Football Netball League team at the association championships, said she felt her netball had developed well this year and was excited to continue the progression and development.

“I think my netball this year has taken big steps and I am really having fun with it,” she said.

“This season has been really fun, and it is something I am passionate about.

“I think we will have fun and learn new skills and bring them back to the club.”

The girls will prepare with weekly training sessions with the focus on many different skills.

“We will focus on everything in the lead-up to the day,” Kaur said.

“I think we will also have some training sessions on our own as well.

“I think it will be worthwhile in the end.”

McConachy is a current member of SWAS and will use that experience to guide her through the academy program tryouts.

“I am so excited for it, I can’t wait,” McConachy said.

“I play mainly goal keeper, but a bit of goal defence as well.

“It has been really good just to play with girls from different teams.

“It is a big social thing as well.”

With the Kangaroos’ season winding down, this will no doubt give the trio something to keep working towards in the coming months.