But superstar Steph Vick has tackled plenty of new challenges since stepping away from playing netball at Kyabram.
Vick has found herself back at Echuca this season, but in between welcomed first child Patrick into the world and even pitched in to help Murray Netball League outfit Nathalia during summer.
‘‘I took 12 months off from netball, my husband (Josh) took 12 months off football too,’’ Vick said.
‘‘In that time we had our new little bub Patrick, he’s four months old now.
‘‘We live in Moama, I used to play at Echuca, so it’s good to be back in green.
‘‘There’s still some players around who I played with back then, but I’ve always enjoyed meeting new people — it’s why I’ve loved playing interleague and things like that.
‘‘It’s really exciting at Echuca, especially with the juniors coming through, everyone around the club is very positive.
‘‘It’s really nice to come into a team who are all focused and driven after tasting success last year.’’
After finding herself missing the feeling of being around a sporting club during her time off, Vick is happy to again be in the routine of training and playing — especially with Patrick in tow.
‘‘It’s definitely been an eyeopener,’’ Vick said.
‘‘Josh and I have been involved with Ky for years and years and it’s funny how it becomes so much a part of your life.
‘‘We missed the games in those 12 months, but we especially missed the people, it’s amazing how good being involved in a club is for you socially.
‘‘It’s been a bit of a challenge (getting back on court), but we’re very fortunate to have amazing support with our family in Echuca and Ky.
‘‘I’ve been able to attend pretty much all trainings and I’m feeling great.
‘‘Patrick’s pretty cruisy, he just comes along wherever I go and everyone knows him now.’’
Vick’s short stint at Nathalia also helped fill the void of not having pre-season training for netball during her pregnancy.
‘‘I work in Shepp with a couple of the players from Nathalia,’’ Vick said.
‘‘I still wanted to be involved in some way, so they asked if I could take a couple of trainings.
‘‘It was fantastic, it was nice to give back I guess, it was something I wanted to do.’’
As for the Murray Bombers, Vick is keen to contribute in any way she can.
‘‘I guess I have always been a bit of a versatile player,’’ Vick said.
‘‘Coming back to Echuca I’m more than happy to just do what I need to do for the team.
‘‘I’m finding my place in the midcourt, which I enjoy; it requires a lot of fitness and it’s taken a little bit to get it back, but I’m so grateful for the support.’’
But being a new mother has thrown up its own set of challenges as well when it comes to playing netball.
‘‘Patrick means everything to Josh and I and obviously he comes first over netball,’’ Vick said.
‘‘He’s feeding every two hours or so still, so I’ve found myself occasionally feeding him at three-quarter time or rushing off court after a game to feed him.
‘‘But it’s great to get him involved in my life as much as possible.
