AFTER a four year absence from netball, Eliza O’Sullivan is loving her time on the court with South Mildura.
The 21-year-old has slotted seamlessly into the blue and white defence and played a vital role in the side’s maiden A Grade win of the SFNL season, taking down third-placed Irymple.
While their record reads 1-4, the medical student, who is on placement at Mildura Base Public Hospital, believes her side can play finals this year.
“We’ve been close on a few occasions, even previous week against Wentworth the game was closer than what the final score probably indicated,” O’Sullivan said.
“I reckon we’re starting to work really well together. It’s a really friendly team and with a few newer players I think it’s just taken us a bit of time to figure out where we best fit.
“I think defensively we’re really strong, every time I look up it seems one of our players is grabbing an intercept, and I’d hate to be playing in our goalies, I always come off the court in awe.
“I reckon it’s upwards from here… maybe by the second time around playing these teams we can change those other results.”
Upon learning of her selection as the round 6 Netballer of the Round, O’Sullivan immediately deflected attention and heaped praise on her teammates, especially defensive partner Regan Zaxos.
Originally from Bendigo, the goal defender played for Golden Square coming through the ranks but hadn’t played since living in Melbourne to study.
O’Sullivan saw her Mildura move as the ideal time to lace the shoes up again.
“I missed being part of a team and moving here and not knowing anyone, it was probably the ideal time to get back into playing,” she said.
“I tried out for South Mildura and I’ve just found them to be so welcoming. The coaches are all really dedicated and, as a team, we’re really coming together.
“I’ll slot in where they need me… as long as it’s in defence.”
Off the court, O’Sullivan was also glowing of the Mildura hospital.
“I love it here, it’s been a great place to learn and the culture is fantastic,” O’Sullivan said.
As the round 6 Netballer of the Round, O’Sullivan receives $150 from Mildura Golf Resort, located at 287 Twelfth Street, Mildura.
