Cowling has been picked in the Victorian under-23 team that will compete in next year’s Australian Men’s and Mixed National Championships in Melbourne from March 27 to April 3.

Cowling is still eligible to play for the under-20 team, which he has represented previously, but has been elevated an age group.

The 19-year-old, who plays a mix of goal attack, wing attack and goal shooter, is one of 12 players selected in the under-23 squad.

“Being one of the youngest this year, it’s going to be a big step-up from the under-20s, but one I’m looking forward to,” Cowling said on Friday.

Cowling plays club netball in the Melbourne-based M-League for men, lining up on Wednesday nights with the Southern Seahawks, with the side booking their finals berth with a win this week.

Meanwhile, Cowling – who in September represented the Australian 20-and-under team at the New Zealand Men’s Netball Championships - is also preparing for his first coaching role.

Cowling will coach Kangaroo Flat’s B-grade side in the Bendigo Netball League next year.

“We’ve got try-outs starting in a couple of weeks, so a lot of planning will be going into getting ready for that,” Cowling said.