Tickner keen to make her own play

SHE watched fellow Noosa netballer Keirra Trompf win a national title with the Queensland Firebirds and she delighted in Australia’s thrilling one-point win over New Zealand in the world championships final.

Inspired by their efforts, Emma Tickner, of Tewantin, is eager to make a mark of her own in the sport which has captured our attention in recent months.

The talented 20-year-old, who is in the Queensland under-21 side competing in this week’s national championships in Melbourne, is regarded as one of the country’s bright young stars after rising through the junior ranks.

Tickner has competed at national age championships on four occasions and has impressed with her work rate at the back of the court.

“She obviously brings us a lot of height in the circle defensively and she gives us a lot of versatility because she can play across all three defending positions,” Queensland under-21 coach Amanda Vander-Wal said ahead of their first game tomorrow.

“She’s really grown into her own player this year and Emma offers a good amount of attack down the court as well.

“But we’re definitely looking for her to step up and take a good amount of intercepts. It’s a part of her game that she’s been developing and she’s made progress.”

At 187cm, Tickner expects to see plenty of court time this week.

“I’ll be playing a mix of goal defence and goalkeeper,” she said before predicting a strong performance from her side.

“We’re expecting to win. We’re all really confident and looking sharp,” she said.

Tickner is following in the footsteps of Noosa’s Trompf, 25, who burst on to the scene in the ANZ Championship this year.

Tickner said the Firebirds goal defender was an inspiration to netballers on the Sunshine Coast.

“She’s great. She’s always around at the young one’s games,” she said.

“I try my hardest to get down there as often as I can to help out and so does she and it’s great to see her.

“The kids all look up to her. They love her.”