Netball: Youthful talent in Australian team

NSW Swifts premiership-winning defender Kimberley Purcell was one of three new faces included in the Australian netball squad announced today.

Purcell, Adelaide goal shooter Kate Beveridge and Queensland mid-courter Claire McMeniman have been rewarded with Australian selection following strong seasons in the inaugural trans Tasman netball championship.

National coach Norma Plummer said she was focusing on youthful talent to fill the void left by the retirement of Liz Ellis, Laura von Bertouch and Selina Gilsenan at the end of last season.

Veteran Natasha Chokljat was unavailable for international selection due to injury.

"We are very impressed that the youth is coming through and they are tapping on the door to get into the Australian team," Plummer said.

"It is crucial that we keep growing and give opportunities to our younger players now.

"The ANZ Championship has been great and now as the Australian Team we look at how we can take the game to the next level."

The squad will participate in a number of camps at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) throughout August.

A final team will be selected for the test series in New Zealand in September and the test series in Australia in October against the world No 2 and 3-ranked teams New Zealand and England.

Australia: Sharelle McMahon (Vixens), Natalie von Bertouch (Thunderbirds), Kate Beveridge (Fever), Rebecca Bulley (Swifts), Bianca Chatfield (Vixens), Catherine Cox (Swifts), Susan Fuhrmann (Fever), Laura Geitz (Firebirds), Mo'onia Gerrard (Thunderbirds), Kimberlee Green (Swifts), Renae Hallinan (Vixens), Clare McMeniman (Firebirds), Natalie Medhurst (Thunderbirds), Lauren Nourse (Firebirds), Susan Pratley (Swifts), Julie Prendergast (Vixens), Kimberley Purcell (Swifts), Caitlin Thwaites (Vixens).

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