After having a son, Leo, last year and taking a season off, she used the games to play with local girls and prepare for her return to the Hampden league, which will see her line up with Terang Mortlake.

In previous years netballers could play both Hampden and District league but the latter this year changing its senior starting time to 12.40pm and the former beginning at 1pm makes it virtually impossible to suit up for both.

ELLERTON isn't the only new mother coming back in 2009. Koroit's Kate Dobson, Kate Sewell, Kate Foster and Stacey O'Sullivan are in the same boat.

The group proved in the Western Regional State League that they will play prominent roles.

SEASONED Hampden League players will be pleased to know Qalo Sukabula will be patrolling the sidelines again this season.

The respected umpire was last month appointed as medical director at Portland District Health after holding the position of director of emergency services at South West Healthcare.

THE curtains are gradually closing on the drama that has surrounded the courts at North Warrnambool Eagles and South Warrnambool.

For those that don't know the story, here's a run-down:

*Plexipave courts were installed at the clubs between the 2006 and 2007 seasons

*It was found they became slippery when wet

*WM Loud, which laid the court, said players were slipping because they were wearing the wrong shoes

*The clubs called on Warrnambool City Council to repair or replace the courts.

*The council conditionally agreed to overcoat the two courts with a Rebound Ace surface at a cost of about $6000 each.

The overcoat was put on at the end of last week and the courts have noticeably more grip.

What impact rain will have is yet to be determined but with showers forecast tomorrow when the Roosters host Koroit, time is expected to tell.