Layla Ratcliffe continues her rise with Mooroopna and has starred for the A-Grade side this year.
Mooroopna rising star Layla Ratcliffe is making a name for herself at A-Grade level after a strong start to the GVL Netball campaign.
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The Cats goal shooter, who is just 15, cut her teeth at the junior levels down at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve, starring en route to the 17-and-under Grand Final in September.
Despite an agonizing 30-28 defeat in the premiership showpiece that time around, the youngster impressed in the winner-takes-all contest.
Capping off a bumper year, her exploits at 15-and-under level were also celebrated as she took home the prestigious Jacqui Hudgson GVL League Best and Fairest medal after securing 32 votes.
Fast forward seven months and the teenager has already caught the eye with her displays in the A-Grade, successfully making the step up to the big stage across nine periods on court in 2026.
She made her bow in round one of the campaign with a dazzling performance in front of a home crowd up against Shepparton Swans as the Cats clinched a 45-31 victory on the opening weekend.
“Layla is tall, strong and very athletic, you don’t find many girls of that age, it’s a little bit unique,” Mooroopna coach Di Hanslow said, as she oversees nurturing the prospect.
“She comes with a huge amount of composure, it’s hard to believe a 15-year-old playing goals never looks flustered and takes it all in her own stride.
“That was something we saw at junior level and throughout last year, we had her at some of our A-Grade training sessions and we saw the same thing.”
“They were all positive signs that she would be able to make the step up this year.”
Ratcliffe was also involved throughout her side’s 47-40 win away at Tatura in round two, tallying up 10 successful shots in what was a solid performance for the girls in navy and white hoops.
Continuing her development, the teenager announced herself in style the week after, converting 28 times versus Shepparton in what proved to be a resounding 68-42 victory in round three over a potential title rival.
The starlet featured in all four quarters of that clash, delivering on her billing as a bona fide rising star.
Mooroopna coach Di Hanslow has been nurturing the progress of her rising goal shooter.
Photo by
Daniel Webb
Building up her experience at the GVL’s highest level, Ratcliffe also featured in round four, scoring an impressive 39 times versus Shepparton United to help secure a 45-31 win.
Rounding off a sterling start to life in the division, the sharp shooter played her part in a 45-37 home victory against Echuca.
“She was given the opportunity to play senior netball this year but wanted to do another year of junior netball, so she’s been that player who has come in to senior positions when we needed her.
“She just stepped in, her first game against the Swans I felt confident she would do well.
“Once again, she went out there and didn’t show any signs of being flustered - she played a great game.
“The type of player and person she is, she does her role, she’s interesting as that girl can run fast when she has to.
“I’m not surprised she’s done so well, she’s done an exceptional job.”
A faultless start to the campaign means the Cats have gone five from five in the early weeks of the new term, leaving them level on points with fellow title challenger Euroa in the infancy of the season.
Next up, Mooroopna will look to continue its impressive unbeaten streak away at Mansfield, with that round six clash taking place from 2.15pm on May 9 at Mansfield Recreation Reserve’s Court 1.
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