Ruby's long-awaited chance to sparkle in state under-19 team

One of the undoubted keys to the Dragons' bid for an unprecedented fourth-straight BFNL A-grade premiership, Turner will have plenty of extra commitments to fulfil after gaining selection in the Victorian state under-19 team.

Turner, who will turn 19 in September, will represent her state at the 2021 National Championships, in Hobart, from July 4 to 11.

It is the second-straight season she has been selected in the under-19 team, but with last year's championships being cancelled due to COVID-19, the versatile defender is doubly excited this time around.

"It's been a long process getting there, having the squad cut down to 12 players and (eight) training partners, but it's been very exciting," said Turner, who learned of her selection late-Monday.

"I'm very lucky and I feel very privileged to be a part of it. I'm super-excited to be given the opportunity, especially after missing out on going to nationals last year.

"It was meant to be in Hobart last year, so they've put them back there this year."

Turner, who is playing Victorian Netball League championship division this season with North East Blaze, was understandably rapt to see her sport emerge from a reasonably grim last year.

"It was pretty awful, 2020, It was just training all year and plenty of it Zoom sessions through lockdown - they were obviously not the same as training as a group and team, so it was pretty challenging," she said.

"You really had to self motivate yourself to get up and train.

"And not having any competition to play in was hard and painful."

Turner said returning to the court for Sandhurst for the first time on Good Friday against Strathfieldsaye and for the Blaze last week in a seven-goal win over Boroondara Express could not have been more overdue and exciting.

"I can't believe we're into the rounds now - I'm loving it - that's how much I missed it," she said.

"We've had a really good start at Sandhurst, with three good wins coming up to this Saturday against Kangaroo Flat.

"That's going to be a challenge, but we're really looking forward to it."

Turner spent time at both goal keeper and wing defence in the Dragons' 52 goal win over Golden Square at the QEO last Saturday.

She is keen to play whatever role necessary in helping extend Sandhurst's recent dominance across all grades of BFNL netball, highlighted by three-straight A-grade and 17-and-under flags and one and two in three seasons at A-reserve and B-grade level.

An ultra-busy year on and off the court for the 18-year-old will include her first-year occupational therapy studies at La Trobe University in Bundoora, where she is living on campus.

In other state team selections, Kiralee Collings, who finished third in the 2019 BFNL 17-and-under league best and fairest count while playing for Gisborne, made the 17-and-under team, while Kyneton goaler Claire Oakley was named in the eight-player state under-19 development squad.

Turner will have some familiar company in the state team, being joined by her North East Blaze club-mates Nyah Allen and Georgia Moody.

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