FRESH FACES FOR AUSSIE STINGERS SQUAD

Published Mon 03 Apr 2017

New Aussie Stingers coach, Sakis Kechagias, named a fresh-faced squad for the first National Training Camp in Canberra next week.

Eight Queenslanders form part of the 19-woman squad including goalies, Gabi Palm, Brisbane Barracudas, and Tyler Baillie, Queensland Breakers. This is the first time that Tyler and Gabi have been selected for the Senior Squad and is a huge step towards pulling on the Green and Gold.

For Barracudas goalie, the selection is the icing on the cake after a stellar debut performance in the National League. Gabi heads to Canberra full of confidence. “It was so nerve-wracking going into the penalty shoot-out, especially playing in my first season but being able to pull through and get the win was so exciting.” For Tyler, her National League experience ended on a high note winning the Goalie of the Tournament. “I really wasn’t expecting the award, I was feeling down after the match and the award has made me feel a lot more confident going into camp.”

The two-week camp is an opportunity for both girls to train alongside returning Olympians, such as Rowie Webster, Isobel Bishop and Hannah Buckling. However, for the goalies, the chance to train alongside Lea Yanitsas and Lilian Hedges will be one of the main highlights of the camp. “I think it will be good for Gabi and me to train with Lil and Lea. They have a lot more experience, so it will be interesting to see how they train and get their feedback on my performance.” said Tyler.

The call-up also provides Gabi and Tyler with the opportunity to train and face shots from different players from across the country. “There are a few Rio Olympians in the squad, being able to have shots against them is going to be an incredible experience. I’m looking forward to training with goalies of a higher level, like Lea, it’s so exciting. Obviously, as we move into the senior ranks the skill and pace of shots is more technical and much faster but being able to adapt to those shots as a goalie is really crucial.” added Gabi.

Whilst Gabi and Tyler don’t expect to be selected for the Aussie Stinger squad heading to California in May, both youngsters are relishing the opportunity to be put through their paces with the senior squad alongside some familiar Queensland faces. We wish the girls the best of luck, no doubt the experience will be an invaluable one.

AUSSIE STINGERS TRAINING SQUAD – Canberra, 17-28 April 2017

Elle Armit – QLD

Tyler Baillie – QLD

Isobel Bishop – NSW

Hannah Buckling – NSW

Pascalle Casey – NSW

Brooke Dickie – NSW

Keesja Gofers – NSW

Lilian Hedges – WA

Matilda Kearns – NSW

Bridget Leeson-Smith – QLD

Dayna O’Leary – WA