Sport

Nationals exploits see O’Dwyer picked for Australian squad

By Josh Huntly

Apr 28, 2026

Shepparton's Mackenzie O'Dwyer has been picked in the Australian under-19 squad. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Selection in the Australian under-19 netball squad affirms a player’s status as one of the country’s next-generation stars.

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For Shepparton Bears midcourter Mackenzie O’Dwyer, it will be the second such feather in her cap after Netball Australia confirmed its 29-strong list of rising stars.

The Barooga product turned Shepparton and North-East Blaze talent was selected in last year’s National intake after a stellar National Championships campaign, and after leading Victoria to a hard-earned bronze medal at the 2026 edition, the Big V centre has again been given the nod for Aussie honours.

O’Dwyer and the Australian under-19 and under-17 squads will take part in high-performance camps in July.

“The standard across this year’s Championships was exceptional, and these athletes have shown they have the potential to succeed at the highest level,” Head of Pathway Selections Michelle Wilkins said.

“This group represents the strength and depth of emerging talent in Australian netball right now, and we’re looking forward to supporting their development as they take the next steps in their high-performance journey.”

The Victorian under-19 co-captain was at the fore of her State’s 36-35 win over Queensland in the National Championships and been prominent in her two Goulburn Valley League appearances with Shepparton.

O’Dwyer stands as one of the region’s top netball products, and another selection at the National level looks set to enforce that billing.