Tooradin teen defender’s tops

CASEY Cardinia League netball followers will most likely already be familiar with Tooradin’s Rising Netball Star nomination Mel Mantel.
The 17-year-old defender has quickly made a name for herself as a disciplined and talented young player in the Seagulls A-grade side after making her debut at the top level this year.
Mel started playing netball at school in the under 10s and, apart from her career at Tooradin, has had stints with Gippsland Storm (three years) and the CSWNA (four years). She also played representative netball with the MPNFL 17 and under interleague side.
She has captained the three junior grade sides at Tooradin and won numerous personal awards, including the 2009 17 and under and C-grade best and fairest awards, the 2008 17 and under best and fairest and the 2009 MPNFL 17 and under best and fairest.
Mel’s sides have played in five grand finals in succession, winning the pennants in 2005 and 2008, when she was also voted best on court.
Among her highlights, Mel lists being appointed captain of the 17 and under premiership side in 2008, winning the 17 and under best and fairest awards and debuting in the A-Grade side last year.
She says she would love to play in an A-grade premiership at Tooradin, and her coach Sandra Van Rooye said there was every chance she would if she kept developing the way she was.
“Mel has played B and C grade with Tooradin consistently over the last two years, while she was still playing in her under 17 team.
“She has shown herself to be a strong, consistent performer and has been a large part of the defensive team in each grade she has played,” Sandra said.
In 2010, Mel was promoted to the A Grade team, and in a short period, has become an integral and exciting part of the side’s defence.
“Mel is a hard worker and is always willing to listen and apply new things to her game.
“She is a great team player with a wonderful attitude and has slotted into the team effortlessly,” Sandra said.
Club president Loretta Iverach said Mel was a fine example and conducted herself very well – both on and off the court.