Occasionally teenagers who excel at sport attract rave reviews, predicting they have the talent to eventually make it right to the top level.
Such predictions can sometimes be wide of the mark, and the individual who has been singled out eventually fades into obscurity.
But last week, Chloe Eyre was one of 20 players named by Netball Australia in the One Nations Black Swans netball squad, and astute judges regard her as the ‘real deal’.
“Congratulations. – What a fantastic achievement” was the immediate reaction from the Riddell District Football and Netball League.
Lancefield junior and senior football netball clubs also expressed their hearty congratulations, wishing her well with the Black Swans.
Many others will wish Chloe well on her pathway journey.
After playing with Lancefield teams, Chloe graduated to the RDFNL 15&Under team and was talent identified and invited to trials for the state academy.
Playing for the City West Falcons was a further step forward, and Chloe played for Victoria and impressed in the Pacific Netball Series in the Black Swans’ debut year.
This was Netball Australia’s first One Nations tournament.
The 16-year-old Salesian College student is very passionate about netball, and enjoys the challenge to learn new skills and bring them into her game.
She loves the opportunities and friendships she had made along the way.
Chloe’s speed and agility, and tall stature puts defenders under pressure, and she has worked hard on her accuracy in goal shooting.
The 20 members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Black Swans come from across various parts of Australia.
Chloe’s Aboriginal background is from the Wamba Wamba people, from the Swan Hill district and across the Murray River.
Asked if she would like to thank anyone for helping her get this far, the young star expressed thanks to her parents for their endless support, encouragement and always driving her to and from training and games.
“A special thank-you to my interleague coach, Michelle Rix, who has taught me many valuable skills and really helped improve my netball, and also thank-you to my Under 17s coach Stacey, and all my teammates at Lancefield Junior Football Club.”
The player she looks up to is Australian Diamonds captain Liz Watson, who Chloe heard speak about her netball journey and work ethic several years ago.
The Riddell League reached the final four in Netball Victoria’s Association of the Year community judging, but the winner on Thursday evening came up as North Central Netball Association.
