Adelaide Thunderbirds Pathway Athlete Georgie Horjus has been elevated to the Adelaide Thunderbirds squad that will compete at the Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup beginning this Friday (8 March 2019) in Brisbane.
Horjus, 17, who plays wing attack and goal attack has impressed in the Adelaide Thunderbirds training environment over the pre-season.
Horjus rounds out the all South Australian goal circle alongside Cody Lange, Sasha Glasgow and Training Partner Nyah Allen.
Horjus said “I’m really looking forward to every part of the weekend. Even if I don’t get many minutes on the court, travelling with the team, being at the pre-season tournament and experiencing the environment of a game day will be a good opportunity.
“Playing against my idols like Nat Medhurst and Steph Wood who are short but can still play in goals is also exciting.
“I am very lucky to be a part of the Thunderbirds environment. Tania Obst, Cathy Fellows and Nat von Bertouch and the players are very knowledgeable. I have learnt so many things that will help me develop my netball.”
Adelaide Thunderbirds Head Coach Tania Obst said, “When Georgie has trained with us and in match play, she’s stood out and has been able to hold her own, which has been pleasing to see.
“Our staff are managing her program appropriately as she is in Year 12 and training with SASI, the Southern Force and 17U State Team. Due to this management, Georgie is thriving.”
Obst said with Folau and Beth Coden missing the Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup it is pleasing to be able to draw on Training Partners and a Pathway Athlete.
“We know these players’ strengths and because they have been training with us they feel a part of the team already.”
Cobden, who has made great progress with her rehabilitation from an ACL injury, will travel with the team to Brisbane and is expected to take part in match play in the coming weeks.
Maria Folau will not play in the Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup due to a commitment forming part of her long-term ambassadorship of the Auckland Cup. This commitment was known to the club prior to contracting.
Folau will make her debut for the Adelaide Thunderbirds later this month when the team plays three pre-season games in Sydney.
Obst said the team has on and off court objectives for the Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup.
“The team that is heading to Brisbane is missing a couple of contracted athletes, so we will have specific areas of focus, including what we want to achieve and how we want to play our game in our attacking and defensive ends.
“With new coaches and support staff, it will be a new experience for the off-court team and will be a great chance to see how we operate together.”
Throughout the tournament, the Adelaide Thunderbirds will have rotating captains.
The Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup will be played from Friday 8 March – Sunday 10 March 2019 at the Queensland State Netball Centre. The Adelaide Thunderbirds first game is against Sunshine Coast Lightning.
Adelaide Thunderbirds Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup Squad
Nyah Allen
Kelly Altmann
Chelsea Blackman
Sasha Glasgow
Layla Guscoth
Georgie Horjus
Cody Lange
Hannah Petty
Chelsea Pitman
Kate Shimmin
Shamera Sterling
Player Bio
Georgie Horjus
Date of birth: 28/01/2002
Height: 171cm
Positions: GA, WA
Achievements:
2018 Premier League Grand Final Player of the Match
2018 Premier League – Premiership with Contax
2017, 2018 – Gold Medal at National Netball Championships playing in 17U SA State Team
2019 17U SA State Team Co-captain
Hometown: Parndana, Kangaroo Island
