Adison Thornberry and Sophie Allen made the final 22-person cut in the under-12 academy.
The program will officially commence in February, with trials having been conducted in November this year.
‘‘Coaches and selectors were very impressed with the high level of skill and effort demonstrated by all players through trials, which made selection of athletes for the academy extremely difficult,’’ AFL Goulburn Murray Netball Academy co-ordinator Melissa Wells said.
‘‘Overall, this is an exciting addition to the netball community and we are looking forward to a high service being provided to academy participants through 2019 and beyond.
‘‘The aim of the Academy is to connect the pathway in a more coordinated manner and to provide a structured and focused development program for the selected participants and coaches.
‘‘The program will consist of 12 sessions overall at each age group with a focus on skill development, game sense and personal growth.’’
Ashley Bradley will be head coach of the 12-year-old group.
Bradley has played at Regional State League level and has represented North Central at state titles whilst being an A-reserve player.
She played A-grade in New Zealand, then returned to trial for the Victorian Netball League (VNL), playing for the Sovereigns, as they were a regional team and supported country netballers and she received the championship coaches award.
Bradley played for Monash University in the Championship team and played a curtain raiser for Melbourne Vixens on Hisense Arena and again received the championship coaches award.
She is currently signed with Casey Demons in the VNL in her comeback season after being sidelined in season 2018 after injuring her knee (ACL). She will also play A-grade with the Shepparton in the GVL 2019.
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