Swifts' Kristy Dodds has taken no time in her return to the netball court after becoming a mother last year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dodds played in the first game of the season against Natimuk United last weekend despite giving birth to her first child Ayla in October last year. She spent 12 months away from the game but said she loved being back on the court last Saturday.
"It was great to be back after the time off," she said.
"It was a tough task against the reigning premiers. I was a bit nervous. I knew they were going to be strong so I didn't have great expectations on myself.
"I was more of an excited nervous I think."
Dodds played the first half of the A Grade game and loved feeling part of the team from the bench.
"Fitness-wise you never know where you are at," she said.
"Match fitness is different to training so it was good to run out there. 15 minute quarters might not seem long - but in the afternoon heat it's a lot different to evening training."
Dodds said despite playing all her junior netball at Dimboola, she has now "returned home" to the Baggies in 2019.
"I joined Swifts in 2011 and played for five seasons," she said.
"I then took the opportunity to play and coach at Moyston-Willaura for two seasons.
"I have felt in my senior netball Swifts has always felt like my home club and it's great to be back and be around everyone again."
Dodds said playing and juggling motherhood is something she is still working towards.
"It's not just about getting myself ready anymore - I've got to get the whole family organised," she said.
"I think I had some nerves around getting on the court about leaving Ayla for the first time.
"At training, I use it as my "me time", but on game days she will be here - I am still feeding as well."
Dodds has played netball for as long as she can remember and said she loves being part of the team atmosphere.
"You get to have fun with a group of girls you form great bonds with," she said.
"The club has a really good vibe about it and there are lots of babies around at the moment.
"This is the type of environment I grew up knowing - everyone is so supportive."
Swifts take on Noradjuha-Quantong away in round two at the weekend.
A Grade netball will welcome back defender Tara Long which will increase the Baggies' defensive depth.
The team will look for a strong start after their last round loss and get an early season win on the board.
The senior football team welcome in co-coach Daniel Parkin and former premiership ruckman Brett Hargreaves into the team.
The Baggies could be travelling up the highway without incoming recruit Ben Leong, after enduring a sprained ankle in the first 10 minutes of round one.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from the Stawell Times-News. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Northern Grampians shire, sign up here.
