As we've seen in the past 24 months, women's sport is only rising, with bumper viewership from the 2020 ICC Women's World Cup to this year's delayed Tokyo Olympics.
Here in Echuca-Moama, there is plenty of talent ready hit the cricket pitch, dive into the swimming pool or throw up a fast-paced serve during the upcoming summer sport season.
Grace Moyle is one such player, with the cricketer eyeing back-to-back titles at Echuca and Carlton's thirds this year, alongside her Vic Country duties.
After a long off-season, the talented allrounder is ready to pick up the bat and ball again.
“Some of the pre-season stuff has kicked off before lockdown,” she said.
“You're a bit rusty at the start, but then you ease into it and you're ready by the time the season comes around.”
Emily Lake, who has represented Rich River Tennis Club in competition for more than three years, will unleash her forehand and backhand again.
Lake's form last year — she topped her age group — means she'll be a key player in her team's run for finals this season.
Meanwhile, Tahlia Bright will be back on track — the running track, that is — at Echuca-Moama Little Athletics.
The 11-year-old has competed for more than six years, and is a strong long distance runner.
“I like the opportunity to get to know other people and to compete against them,” she said. "This year I want to do better at state.”
And swapping the land for water will be Kasey Brander, who has been water skiing since she was 10.
“I've won three or four Southern 80s and go all around the world; I've gone to New Zealand for the Tasman Challenge, and won that a few times,” she said.
Introduced to the sport by her family, Brander is hopeful restrictions will soon ease so she can get back on the water.
“It's been hard to train over the last 18 months, and I miss the social side to it,” she said.
14°C