The 28-year-old crosses to the Tigers after seven seasons at North Warrnambool Eagles, where she was judged the Hampden league’s best and fairest on two occasions, including last season.

With Carter’s boyfriend Josh Sobey entering his third season at Merrivale, the club has tried to recruit her the past couple of years.

“They’ve always put it out there and they mentioned it to me half-jokingly at the start,” she said.

“My best mate Casey Sheehan plays there as well and I’ve known everyone there for years.”

She said her decision to join Merrivale this year had a lot to do with Sobey, who she was travelling to watch after playing for North each week.

“He really wanted me to make the right decision because obviously the netball’s a little bit different (in Warrnambool and District league),” she said.

A holiday in Bali over the new year period with a group of Merrivale netballers and footballers helped her make the choice to join them at Tigerland.

“I think my mind was already made up though, because I went to North as soon as I finished last season and told them that I was considering it,” she said.

Carter, who played her junior netball at Warrnambool, said it was a tough decision to leave the Eagles, particularly after she helped their young A grade side to a preliminary final appearance last year.

She said the likes of Dot Jenkins, Jackie Smedts, Maree Millard and Tania Ross had been strong influences on her netball during her time at North.

The 2008 and 2011 Hampden league best and fairest winner was looking forward to playing in the Warrnambool and District league.

“Obviously Hampden is a lot quicker with the way the ball travels down the court, which I’ve noticed when I’ve watched (District league) when I’ve had games off,” she said.

“But a few Hampden netballers are starting to switch over, so it’s going to be stronger in years to come.”

Merrivale’s A grade side, which finished runner-up last season, will be coached by goaler Danielle McInerney this year.

The addition of Carter puts the Tigers as early premiership favourites for 2012.