Despite the cancellation of both the BFNL and Victorian Netball League seasons without finals being played, Turner is set for an exciting few months ahead following her selection in the Australian under-19 squad.

The versatile 19-year-old is one of six Victorians selected in the squad of 26 players, a reward for her stellar seasons with both the BFNL Dragons and North East Blaze in the VNL's championship division.

Selection for all players in the squad was harder won this year, with no chance to impress selectors on the usual stage at the national championships, which were scheduled to be played in Hobart this year, but were cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"Normally they pick the squad from the nationals, which were meant to be in July, but they couldn't go ahead," Turner said.

"So they had a panel of selectors, who worked with the state coaches and the AIS coaches, and they picked from there.

"Whichever way it happened, it's still exciting to get picked."

After a season without netball for all but a small number of junior players in select associations across Victoria last year, Turner was delighted to return to action in 2021.

"We were very happy with our season at Sandhurst finishing second on the ladder," she said.

"Obviously we really wanted to finish off the season, but we couldn't do that.

"The Blaze - we had a very young team this year, but we did well working together. None of us have really played together much.

"I was really happy with both teams, but I really want to get the job done next season."

With Sandhurst chasing a historic fourth-straight A-grade premiership this season, Turner said it was naturally disappointing the season ended without finals being played.

The Dragons were well placed in their bid to defend their crown with a 10-1 record during the home and away season, second only to Kangaroo Flat on 10 wins and a draw.

After losing their round four clash against the Roos by five goals, Turner said Sandhurst was keen for another crack at their staunch rivals during the finals.

"It would have been a really good game with them - the one game we did play was really close," she said.

"It's always an exciting game against them, so hopefully there are some good battles ahead against them next year.

"Gisborne was right up there too and always gives us a challenge."

Rather than lament on the opportunities lost, Turner, who turned 19 last Saturday, has turned her focus to being as best prepared as possible for the upcoming national squad training camp.

"I will be working and training pretty hard to get ready for it, up until December, when the camp is meant to be," she said.

"At this stage we are not sure what it will look like with COVID everywhere, but hopefully I get a chance to work with all the other squad members from Victoria.

"There's six of us, which really shows the depth of netballers in the state. It's good to see a few of us country girls in there as well."

National Centre of Excellence head coach Michelle Wilkins said athletes were selected based on a range of attributes, including demonstrated skill and the potential for performance growth.

"Selecting a squad is always challenging, especially when you look at the quality of athletes who are progressing through the Netball Australia pathway," said Wilkins, who is also an Australian Diamonds selector.

"In spite of the challenges to elite sport with COVID-19, we know there is plenty of promise in these squads that we look forward to igniting at training camps and other opportunities over the next year."

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