Fawns returns from Swifts training in Queensland full of belief

The Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes goal attack was invited to Queensland to help NSW Swifts prepare for their Super Netball campaign after all fixtures were moved north of the border.

The 16-year-old is part of the Swifts Academy and spent a few days training and playing practice matches alongside superstars like Helen Housby and Paige Hadley.

"I went up a couple of weeks ago to be with them, it was good to be able to go up there and play," she said.

"I was just helping them prepare for their games by playing a few practice matches which was really cool.

"They give me tips on the time, it's really amazing to hear it from them and play against the best of the best."

Fawns said the association with the Swifts had helped her improve other qualities away from the court.

"They've helped me as a player but also as a person, doing all the different development programs with them as well," she said.

"I'm learning how to be a person outside of an athlete and they're really inclusive which is nice, it feels like a family.

"I'm also getting to come back here (MCUE) and teach the girls some of the things I've learnt.

"Hopefully I can become a training partner when I leave school and if I could get a game that would be amazing, even if it's five minutes."

MCUE coach Marie Campbell said the increase of self belief has been evident in Fawns.

"I feel like the culture there (Swifts) is something she really connects with and enjoys," she said.

"She's matured so beautifully as a person, not that she was immature beforehand but the exposure to that elite level with some professional sportspeople has certainly developed her and given her confidence. And not just netball, but socially as well.

"The confidence in her movement, developing that game sense more and more and even her attack on the ball (has lifted).

"When you come up against stronger defenders you realise you have to throw yourself at it and grab it. She's always had great skills anyway, but it's that level of intensity and skill is developing more and more.

"Even her confidence to speak within the team as a leader has developed as well."

Fawns has been playing NSW Premier League with South Coast Blaze midweek before linking with the Goannas on Saturdays.

MCUE are unbeaten through four rounds after inflicting the first defeat on Wagga Tigers last week with a 41-25 win.

The Goannas travel to Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong this Saturday, the Tigers host Turvey Park and Osborne takes on Leeton-Whitton.

"We had a lot of fire in our belly (against Tigers), we wanted to come out tough and have a win but it could have gone either way," Fawns said.

READ MORE