Jacqueline Newton

Jacqui Newton has never been too short for anything.

Until now.

After spending her entire career at goalkeeper, the North Albury star’s 185-centimetre frame doesn’t quite cut it at national level.

There’s no need to panic though, the athletic 18-year-old is equally at home at goal defence.

“At a high level I’m too short for goalkeeper,” Newton said.

“You get the 199cm shooters like Jane Cook and such and I’m no match for that.

“I have pushed out to goal defence. “With runners on, I’m 185cm.”

For the record, recently-retired Australian goal defence Julie Corletto stood at 184cm.

Newton more than held her own in the position representing Australia in an under-19 Trans Tasman competition in New Zealand last year.

The 22-member Aussie touring party was split into two sides – Green and Gold – and played against New Zealand Schoolgirls and New Zealand Maoris.

Newton played in the victorious Green side which was coached by former Netball Australia Coach of the Year Tania Obst.

“It was absolutely insane,” she said.

“We played in New Zealand for a week and ended up beating the New Zealand Maoris by a goal in the final game to win the tournament.

“It was really strong netball in every game.

“The first time we played the other Australian side we won by 10 goals and then we lost by eight goals when we met again.

“I learnt so much.”

Newton started her junior netball for Wodonga Saints and spent five years in the Tallangatta and District league.

Lavington’s Ainslee O’Connell played in the same side.

“I loved it at Wodonga Saints,” she said.

“I tried out for Wodonga rep under-12s though and they said I had to play in an outdoor tournament to qualify which was impossible because I was playing with Wodonga Saints.

“So then I went to Albury rep trials and that’s where I met people like Paula Cary and how I ended up playing at North.”

Newton, who is studying at Monash University in Melbourne, played 10 matches for the Hoppers last season and said her availability this year would depend heavily on representative commitments.

Cary said Newton had gone from strength to strength since arriving at Bunton Park.

“Jacqui’s a lovely person and very good Netballer,” Cary said.

“She has a great reach and anticipates the ball so well.

“She sits back, waits and watches and then goes 100 per cent at the ball and comes out with it.”