The 300-game Koroit veteran will play A1 for the Saints after stepping down from the top grade following the club’s thrilling Hampden league grand final win last season.

She has also committed to playing a handful of Warrnambool and District league A grade games for Merrivale — a club she has close family ties to.

Dobson’s parents Russell and Helen Gleeson and three brothers — 2014 Tiger premiership players Matthew, Sam and Jack — are all associated with Merrivale.

The midcourter said she would play for Merrivale when Koroit commitments permitted.

“Koroit is my first priority but I’ve always wanted to go back to Merrivale because I started there and my family, my brothers are there,” she said.

Dobson said she would not play two games on a single day, citing the Saints’ byes and Sunday games as perfect opportunities to don Tigers’ colours.

She also stressed she didn’t want to take a permanent player’s spot.

“Merrivale starts two weeks before us and they are short this year,” she said.

“I’ll get the first two games in no worries and will look at the draw.

“I’ll take it week-by-week but I am happy to be back down there.

“I have played a lot of netball with Danielle McInerney and I am great friends with her.

“It will be good to be back playing with her.”

Merrivale coach Raewyn Poumako said Dobson’s inclusion would be a welcome one.

“Kate will play A1 for Koroit and she will play for us as often as she can,” Poumako said.

“She played her juniors at Merrivale and her brothers play here and her parents are heavily involved in the club so she has a strong connection.

“Kate will be a great pick-up. 

“She will play in the midcourt and her experience will be valuable. She is a very smart player and has a cool head.”