SARA Morrison knows life can get in the way of a netball career.
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The Dennington midcourter, 33, has started her first full Warrnambool and District league campaign in five years, having played only a handful of times since 2009.
The intervening years have been devoted to the challenges and joys that life throws up — twice becoming a mother and, in 2013, nursing a season-ending injury.
But with sons Curtis, 3, and Beau, 1, growing up and the Achilles complaint healed, Morrison has found herself back in the Lycra — and loving it.
She was best on court in the Dogs’ 71-13 win against East Warrnambool last weekend and will play against Timboon Demons today.
“I’m actually really glad I enjoyed last week. As hot and uncomfortable as it was and as unfit as I was, it was really enjoyable,” she said. But for all the “good fun” Morrison had against the Bombers, one thing stood out — “I just felt very old”.
“I guess it’s changed a little bit but I felt old. I used to be one of the younger players, now I’m one of the more senior ones,” she said.
Morrison had planned to play A reserve netball in 2014 with a couple of friends, easing her way back into the sport which has been a lifelong passion.
But the plan fell through and coach Sue Fleming soon chased her to join the A grade side. Playing finals has since become an ambition.
“We played finals but we can’t compare ourselves to that. It’s pretty cliché but if we can improve each week we’ll be happy,” she said.
“In all honesty, we would be disappointed if we weren’t in contention for finals come the end of the year, but I guess every team wants to play finals.”