Dupuy earns selection in Northern Territory squad for national titles

The Golden Square netballer missed out on the Victorian team, but has been given the chance to represent the Northern Territory as an “import”.

One of Square’s best players with 22 goals in last year’s A-grade grand final win against Sandhurst, the 17-year-old is a bottom-age player at the championships and has another two years to make the Victorian team.

This year she will be trying her best to make sure she is selected for her home state next time and be noticed by coaches and scouts.

“I was pretty disappointed to miss the Vics, but to be given this opportunity was surprising. It’s a huge relief to represent somebody,” Dupuy said.

Under Netball Australia’s rules for the national championships, Northern Territory, ACT and Tasmania can import players from other states.

“Northern Territory contacted me first and said they already had a couple of girls from Victoria and New South Wales,” Dupuy said.

“It’s a great opportunity to go to play at nationals where I will be seen by different coaches.”

Dupuy has attended training camps in Darwin and Alice Springs with her new team-mates.

The coaches saw her versatility to play goal defence, wing defence and as a goal-scorer and decided to give her the opportunity alongside two other Victorian players in the final NT side.

“They’re really welcoming, so it was easy to get there and not feel like a random,” Dupuy said.

“The first camp in Darwin was awesome because it had Australian coaches there as well, and there was also a selector for the All-Australian team who took training.”

The national championships begin on March 30 in Launceston and Dupuy will face her home state on April 2 in the last round before finals.

The Catholic College Bendigo student will help Square chase back-to-back flags, while also playing for Victorian Netball League side City West Falcons this season.