Burton was the reserve while Baxter made the team, but this year the shoe is on the other foot as the duo trade places following confirmation of the NSW Country under-18 women's side.

They will head to Townsville on April 11-21.

"I missed out last year, so it gave me motivation to work harder," Burton said.

"I was aiming to make the squad for this team, but my performance at Albury at nationals helped because I had a strong week there."

Burton said the improvements she had made in her overall game had been integral in taking the next step in the representative team.

"My shooting - especially threes and mid-range and my defence has improved throughout the whole year," she said.

"The difference is last year I was a reserve so if one of my teammates got injured I'd get to step up, but this year I get to go away and get to play."

Despite being in the younger age bracket in the team, the Port Macquarie duo were looking forward to the learning experience.

They will again be eligible for the under-18 team next year.

"I'm bottom age so it helps me step up because the girls that are a year older are one step better than me so it makes me work harder and reach the level they're at," Burton said.

Baxter was looking forward to learning from the sideline and was ready to take her position if injuries ruled any player out.

"This year I'm a reserve and being a reserve gives me motivation on how hard I need to work to get better and hopefully make the team next year," she said.

"Last year I struggled with a lot of self-doubt and put a lot of pressure on myself but this year I'm focused on enjoying it more than putting pressure on myself to do well."

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