Western Region Academy of Sport member Mooney, 16, recently enjoyed a magic start to her premier league career in Sydney when her UTS Randwick Sparks won a 40-39 thriller over the GWS Fury.

Her WRAS coaches saw plenty of potential in Mooney's game and pushed her to make the move to a challenging competition - a task she has so far proven worthy of taking on.

Mooney is still pinching herself at times knowing how valuable the premier league experience will be for her development.

"It's an incredible experience that I am so lucky to have," she said.

"They're such a supportive group of girls and I couldn't ask for anything more. The coaches are amazing and very understanding of my age, being quite a bit younger, and my distance from them, living in Bathurst and playing in Sydney, they always make sure I am balancing my physical and mental health.

"They throw something new at me each week, which I love. the team are so supportive and I'm so grateful that this is the team that I am playing in for my first year of premier league."

Mooney earned her contract with the Sparks towards the end of 2019 and jumped into pre-season training in January.

It's been a whole new practice experience for Mooney who has upped her schedule to six days of training a week - three of which take place in Sydney.

That's not the only change that's come Mooney's way.

The Bathurst netballer has also had to adapt to a new playing position after switching from goal shooter to goal attack.

"I've learnt so much in such a short period of time and overall I'm happy with how I'm playing," he said.

"There is much to work on but I'm happy with where I have come to as a player and have set more short term and long term goals to strive for this season."

"The program over all has been a steep learning curve, I'm training at an intensity that I've never trained at before and I absolutely love it and couldn't ask for anything better for me."

"It can be intimidating at times being 16 and playing against women of ages up to 23, however with the support of my team and coaches I feel completely prepared to give it my best."

Mooney has received great support from friends, family and coaches to reach the premier league.

"I would definitely like to thank Linda, Karen and Mel, who are the coaching staff at WRAS," Mooney said.

"Linda always told us that hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard and that is something I have stuck by through this process.

"I had an amazing year in Bathurst rep last year due to having ex-academy coach Trish Williams. she continued to push me and expect the best from me and my teammates throughout the year.

"Still to this point I have support from these four incredible women and I couldn't have asked for better coaches to guide me to where i am now and I am so grateful for everything they've done for me."