Barellan’s under 17 team started the carnival season with an upset win over Wagga at Regional League in March to qualify for the State Cup Championships.

They also won division two at the popular Wagga carnival before tackling the state championships earlier this month.

Talented athlete Abby Favell made the tough decision to play for NSW-ACT’s under 16 AFL team against Vic Country on the same weekend.

With only two carnivals under their belt and a player down, Barellan were lucky enough to secure Grace Korovata to step in for the state championships.

Barellan braved dismal weather conditions over the three days to finish in fourth place overall.

They were the only team to defeat eventual division two winners, Hills District, in the game of the carnival on day two.

Southern Sports Academy netball head coach Rosemary Clark coached the team and could not speak more highly of the young Barellan team.

“The players listen, always give everything she asks and more,” Clark said.

“This team is a very young side. I look forward to State Cup. It's great that all the girls want to play.”