Harriet Gall, 17, received a unique opportunity as part of her training at the Victorian Institute of Sport with a mid-December excursion to Fiji for a netball competition.
Gall was among a combined 17-and-under and 19-and-under VIS squad that competed in the Fiji National Academy Tournament, bringing a year of expeditious development to a close.
“I think it was a good tour for us,” Gall said.
“I feel like we learned a lot, both on and off the court.”
The South Australian Institute of Sport joined the VIS’ Fijian tour, but the Victorian girls showcased their skills in a hit-out against Fiji’s national men’s team.
Not a sentence you read particularly often, is it?
“Some teams played us from across Fiji before we also got to play their men’s side,” Gall said.
“It was a bit intimidating, but they gave us a good, competitive game.”
Exhilarating overseas exploits aside, though, this year is shaping as a vital one.
Gall has reached the final stage of try-outs for the VIS 19-and-under squad, which would present a tremendous opportunity as a bottom-ager.
After playing 17-and-under netball at VIS in 2023, Gall is no stranger to a full plate.
After all, she has already been juggling these commitments with Bendigo Strikers representation in the Victorian Netball League and, of course, her hometown Shepparton Swans in Goulburn Valley League.
Having just recommitted to the Swans for another A-grade season, the question of balancing the workload is renewed as Gall continues to climb the ladder.
“I’ll focus on the VIS and Bendigo Strikers, but I’ll still try to play when I can at Swans,” Gall said.
“There are friends there and it’ll be more relaxed and fun with different people.
“Bendigo and VIS down in Melbourne will be a big commitment, but I’ll still be here when possible.
“I’m excited for the year ahead.”
