Hamilton Kangaroos netballer, Tania Ross, has finished runner-up in the Hampden Football Netball League Division 2 netball vote count at the Maskell Medal awards on Sunday.

 The 18-year-old goal-attack made every post a winner this season after stepping up to senior grade netball only last season, falling short of victory by one vote to Port Fairy’s Kym Goonan.

Having played the game since she was eight years old, her mother Kym Ross brought her into the game when she felt she could hold her own as started with her school team and then progressed to Hamilton.

From there she had a season at Branxholme before returning for the opening season of the Hamilton Kangaroos in the 13-and-Under age group and has progressed through the ranks ever since.

Her form this season has been outstanding in the goal attack position and she caught the eye of the umpires to receive votes throughout the season

“I’m in a state of shock really, as I never expected this outcome,” Ross said.

“Throughout the season we have had tough games compared to  last season and I have marked myself harder in my own assessment of my performances.

“We have undertaken extra training this season and I have also been practicing goal shooting to improve that part of my game.

“I’ve looked to improve my mindset this season by not dwelling on any mistakes during a game, trying to quickly put it behind me, not waste time and learn from it.

Ross looked to her family when seeking inspiration for her own game.

“My Mum is my inspiration as she is hard on me in a good way, looking to get my best from me each game; while my brother, Tyrone, with his mentality towards a game and in general is great,’ Ross said.

“I want to get more comfortable in seniors and gain more experience, but I would like to advance up the grades when the opportunity arises.”