Sport
24 April, 2025
Conheady shines at nationals
A BIG week for talented Camperdown sporting prodigy Aidan Conheady, who represented the Victorian under 20 team in the Australian Mens’ and Mixed Netball Association National Championships.
Held over eight days at the State Netball Centre in Melbourne, all six states took part in a 10-match round robin tournament.
Victoria finished third after the round robin matches, losing to South Australia in the preliminary final.
“Coming into the tournament, we knew Western Australia and South Australia were the teams to beat,” Conheady said.
“The preliminary final loss was disappointing, we wanted to make the grand final and have another crack at Western Australia.”
South Australia defeated the Victorians in the preliminary final 53-41, with Conheady shooting seven goals while having stints playing both centre and goal attack in that game.
South Australia went on to lose the grand final, defeated by Western Australia 70-54.
Conheady shot 72 goals in the 12 games played by Victoria; 15 his best effort in the semi-final win over New South Wales.
Conheady played in different roles throughout the competition, lining up at various times as centre, wing attack, goal attack and goal shooter.
“I really enjoy goal attack, but like being versatile and fitting in wherever the team needs me,” he said.
“I felt I had a pretty consistent tournament, enjoyed it and am always looking to improve.”
Despite the disappointment of not reaching the decider, Conheady was upbeat about his team’s tournament.
“Apart from one player we were all bottom agers which should hold us in good stead next year, he said.
“Hopefully everyone sticks around.”
Conheady added that there was plenty of talent coming through as top agers in the under 17 Victorian team, which would keep competition for places competitive.
The male netball program now has a break, with an Australian under 20 team to be announced in coming weeks.
Conheady felt as a bottom ager that it would be “pretty tough” to get selected in that side.
This week, Conheady's focus will shift, with a return to the Camperdown Magpies’ under 18 football team.
“It's my first game back this week; I haven't played due to preparations for the National Championships,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to having a kick down at Port Fairy.”
Conheady was grateful for the many family and friends who watched his games live or via livestream, adding he really appreciated everyone's support.
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