Former Warrnambool Rangers captain Emily Byers says she is loving the switch from soccer to netball this season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The code-hopper was recruited by Warrnambool and District league club Panmure during the off-season.
Byers, who has played in every match this season, said she was bringing her soccer smarts to the netball court.
"My strength, having played soccer for so long, is reading the play and defensive pressure," she said.
But the 27-year-old admitted she had plenty to learn and was soaking up as much as she could.
She said she was working on her footwork and ball skills.
"Obviously with soccer, you're not allowed to use your hands," she said.
Bulldogs coach Stacy Dunkley has been thrilled with Byers progress in the first five rounds.
She was impressed by the defender's performance in the Panmure's win over Allansford on Saturday.
"Emily Byers had hands to everything," she said.
"Each week she is improving.
"She's willing to learn and take anything on board."
Byers has tried numerous positions thus far including wing defence, goal defence and goal keeper.
The former soccer star said she was comfortable in defence because "I wouldn't know how to be an attacker".
Byers said she felt she would need to gain more netball experience to play in attack.
She also played predominately as a defender on the soccer field.
The new Bulldog said part of the reason she took up netball was that the Warrnambool Rangers don't have a senior women's soccer team this season.
But Byers said she wasn't missing soccer as much as she thought she would.
"I'm just really enjoying the netball season," she said.
The South West Healthcare nurse said it was good to have another sport to let out her "competitive streak."
Byers, who also works as a personal trainer in Warrnambool, said many people had asked her why she chose to play for out-of-town Panmure.
She said a major reason was that her younger sister Grace Whelan plays in B grade for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs will be hoping for three wins in a row when they host Russells Creek on Saturday.
Byers said her team was working towards putting together a four-quarter effort.
"We're working on bringing the ball down the court after turnovers and maintaining good pressure," she said.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
