But Wagga’s Montana Kearnes, 18, has committed to playing in the Junior World Championships in the US in July, and with the help of her family, she has the mental strength she needs to get there.

“The one thing that keeps me going is my nan and my aunty, they were part of the first aboriginal team to play in Wagga,” she said.

“I dedicate every game to them. They’re always ringing after every game, asking how I went.”

Encouragement from coaches has also helped.

“I feel like I’m doing pretty well with all the training,” she said.

“I got told that I’m one of the best all-round players in my age group.

“I just more or less need to make everything a lot sharper.”

Kearnes will move to Sydney six weeks before she leaves for Florida to take part in a more intensive training regime.

Kearnes and the Australian team will contend with 26 countries at the world championships.

“I’m so excited to see what other countries like, if they’re going to be another level above us," she said.

Kearnes has been a part of the squad for two years.

She represented Australia in the under 17’s friendship series.