The Collingwood Magpies are in the state for the Tasmanian Netball Invitational Series, where they take on Northern Ireland and Wales across two separate days.
Whilst it was known the Magpies would be running on fewer legs due to four squad members away with the Commonwealth Games, most would have presumed it would have been the training partners that would have taken the court to help fill the seven for four quarters. However it is was Rainbow who got the nod to not only take the court but to start in the position of wing attack, filling the role of the great Madi Robinson.
It was the biggest cheer of the night when the words at ‘WA for the Magpies Kelsie Rainbow’ were announced through the stadium.
“It was an unreal feeling out there. It’s what you aspire to do, so to get out there in front of a home crowd was really special’
“The higher level and faster pace took a bit of adjustment, but it was just so exciting to be out there playing at that level” Kelsie said.
Rainbow started her netball career working through the Netball Tasmania pathway programs. Being noted for her skill and potential at a young age, she was granted approval to play in the Tasmanian Netball League at the age of 15. She represented her state in all age groups and on some occasions played up an age group to challenge and push herself and see how she ranked amongst the bigger bodies that you don’t always get to experience in Tasmania. Rainbow was also in the 2016-17 Australian Netball World Youth Cup squad.
Three years ago she made the move across the Bass Strait, going from farm girl, to living in the big smoke to pursue both educational and netball dreams. Kelsie was in the Vic Fury ANL squad and a training partner for the Melbourne Vixens in season 2017.
Kelsie is part of the 2018 Tasmanian Magpies squad and will turn her focus to their preparations for the Australian Netball League as they look to take it one step further this year and make the finals.
The Tasmanian Magpies and the Collingwood Mapgies will be in action tomorrow on the final day of the TNIS at the Derwent Entertainment Centre. Both teams will return to the state in early June.
