NETBALL CHAT with Linda Bunch

THE world of elite netball is far removed from small country town fixtures.

Warwick's Caitlin Skaines recently attended the Queensland under-17 state squad camp as one of the 75 talent identified players trialling for selection in the 2018 U17 Queensland Team to compete at the nationals in April in Adelaide.

Caitlin, 15, found the experience of the higher level camp an information overload, eye opening journey and a fantastic experience. Starting the weekend with jump tests, beep fitness tests and height measurements, Caitlin then spent four days training under the state's best coaches with skills and drills sessions and court play before putting those drills into practice in a game situation.

She said this gave her a newfound knowledge of advanced skills, along with an understanding of the degree of training and dedication required to attain successful selection in the Queensland team.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the camp, learnt lots, met fellow players from around the state and am seriously hoping I can retain even part of the huge amount of information and skills I gained in those four days.”

The team will be finalised in the New Year and here's hoping Caitlin is selected. This is my last column this year and I look forward to sharing the world of netball with readers again in the winter of 2018.

The Daily News thanks Linda for her first season of Netball Chat and her many in-depth analysis of the sport.

Next Friday, we welcome back Michael Bourke from cricket with Howzat.