SA gem turned Diamond: Horjus eyes national debut

By Henry Milic 

Adelaide Thunderbirds star and South Australian local Georgie Horjus is on the cusp of living out her childhood dream, primed to make her national debut this month.

From a small town of just 150 people on Kangaroo Island, the now 22-year-old has come a long way since playing her first game for Parndana Netball Club at just 5 years of age.

After earning her maiden selection in the 2024/25 Diamonds squad back in June, the diverse WA/GA has the chance to make her debut in the upcoming series against the England Roses.

As she dons the green and gold, Horjus will become the first South Australian Thunderbird to be capped for the Diamonds since club legend Laura von Bertouch did so 17 years ago at #142.

“It would be a dream come true to debut in front of my family and friends but whether that happens or not I’m just very grateful to be a part of the squad,” Horjus said.

“Growing up it was a dream of mine (to play for the Diamonds), but I never thought it would happen.

“I remember when I was a little girl, I would wear the Diamonds dress, and it was always a dream to play for them one day.”

Thunderbirds teammates Matilda Garrett and Lucy Austin joined Horjus in Canberra for the recent Diamonds training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport.

“It definitely helped having Tilly and Lucy with me, it made the experience feel a bit more like home,” Horjus said.

“To have those girls in Canberra was great and they both trained really well at camp.

“It has been awesome to learn from all of the other experienced players in the team as well.”

Horjus began her netball career in Kangaroo Island playing for the Parndana Netball Club before moving to Adelaide as a teenager to complete her schooling at Immanuel College.

The speedy attacker quickly rose through the Netball SA pathway, representing numerous state teams, and won a Premier League premiership in her first year in Contax Netball Club’s league side in 2018.

Picking up the Rookie of the Year Award in that same season, Horjus was quickly noticed for her on court talents and was made a Thunderbirds’ training partner in 2020.

The two-time premiership player said her early career success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of her family.

“They have been my biggest supporters, and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without them,” Horjus said.  

“Over the years, mum and dad have sacrificed a lot for me, just to get me up to Adelaide for trainings and to be seen.

“For mum to move to Adelaide to be with me for a couple of years was super special and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

“I’m very lucky to have such a supportive family.”

Horjus ‘Dreamed Bigger’ in 2024, securing back-to-back premierships whilst playing an integral role in the team’s front court and leading her side in feeds and centre pass receives.

To round out her incredible season, Horjus was voted by her teammates as the club’s Players Player for her influence both on and off the court.

“I wasn’t expecting that award at all, so when I got called up, I was very shocked,” Horjus admitted.

“Having time to reflect on it, I think it was extra special because it was voted on by the team and I felt very grateful for that.

“I’m very lucky to be in an awesome group of Tbirds girls.”

The Diamonds kick off their test campaign at the Adelaide Entertainment centre against the England Roses this Thursday night, 19 September, 6:30pm ACST.