"A lot of people don't play sport with their parents, but we get along really well and he talks to me like any other player," the enthusiastic Cowan says.

"I thought he might criticise me, but he is very supportive and I have a lot of fun playing in the side."

Cowan is somewhat of a rarity in the Royal Victorian Bowls Association premier division in that she is one of only a few other women to have played in the division.

But the promising youngster feels she can hold her own among men who are a lot older than her.

"There's only been a few ladies who have played at this level so I'm very grateful for being given the opportunity.

"Although we've lost our last couple of games I feel I have held my own and I am learning every week."

Cowan has represented Victoria at the junior level and is trying out with the senior state side. She hopes to one day represent Australia in order to fulfil her childhood dream.

"Trialling for the state squad is really exciting as I'm playing against some really good players and against girls my age.

"My short-term goal is to make the state squad and play really well in tournaments but hopefully I can make the Australian squad one day."

Cowan will also be competing in the Victorian qualifiers for the Australian Bowls Open this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. She says the qualifiers will be very exciting for her."