Samantha Shanahan jokes she will be “one of the old chooks” in the Victorian women’s side that will take on New South Wales in a Test series.
Given that Shanahan, one of the top players at Deer Park Bowls Club, is only 29 years of age, that is more of a reflection on how young the Big V side will be when it steps out tomorrow (January 23) in a bid to avenge the sweep it received from NSW last time they met.
“I’m definitely one of the most experienced players in the team,” Shanahan said.
Shanahan has been involved in state set-ups since her debut season as a 14 year-old.
She proved a natural and was immediately included in the Victorian under-18 team.
From there, it was not long before the open age team came calling and she would earn her first Victorian cap.
With consistency from year to year and a desire to improve, Shanahan has been a permanent fixture for Victoria.
“I’ve been lucky enough to basically represent Victoria since I started,” she said.
“I started off in the under-18s and stepped up into the senior squad and now I’m not far off my 200 games.”
As one of four skips, Shanahan will be called on to point the way for the younger members of the Victorian team.
Leadership is something the Geelong resident has never ducked and she is honoured to play that role for her state.
“In high school, I was school captain,” she said.
“I really enjoy a leadership role … guiding people.
“Just making sure everyone feels supported and their opinions matter and they’ve got a say in everything.”
There is no bigger test in Australian bowls than facing New South Wales.
Victoria only needs to look at the 3-0 scoreline from last time the two sides met to know how tough the task will be.
But that was last year and the Vics are ready to give the hosts a run for their money this time around.
“They’re always really tough to beat,” Shanahan said.
“We’ve got a few new players, they’ve got a few new players, so it will be interesting to see how we go.”
Shanahan got her start at the Lara Bowling Club.
Instead of just watching her grandad play, she decided to give the sport a go.
One of the drawcards for her was barefoot bowls and the rewards that came with it – successful players won scratchies.
“As a 14 year-old, that was the most exciting thing,” she said.
Who would have thought that it would lead Shanahan to a long career in bowls, in which she is currently a part of the emerging Australian squad?
“There’s 10 women in the main squad and four in the emerging squad,” she said.
“My goal for the next few years is to get into the main squad.”
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