The 41-year-old mother-of-three packed her bags and flew to the Gold Coast for the 42-kilometre test of willpower.

Clarke is no stranger to testing her mental fortitude.

She returned to the south-west's premier netball competition this year after a long and successful stint with Warrnambool and District league club Kolora-Noorat.

She joined Terang Mortlake and has been part of its rise up the ladder and finals push.

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Clarke believes her marathon training has complemented her netball and "because of that I've been able to play at a higher level".

"It's something I enjoy and something I will look to do more of down the track," she said.

Staying active is something Clarke and husband Matt, who competes in ironman events, want to instil in their children - Lara, 11, Madelyn, 8, and Zac, 5.

"At times it's chaotic and crazy but it (being involved in sport) motivates us," she said.

"We're better at the rest of our lives when we're doing these sort of things."

Clarke played juniors and some senior games for the Bloods "many years ago".

She spent time in the old Heytesbury Mount Noorat league before joining Kolora-Noorat when it formed in 2003. Her daughters started playing for Terang Mortlake in the Sunday competition, which encouraged her to move across this season.

"It's a different game style to what I have played in the past so I've had to learn and adjust," Clarke said.

"(Coach) Lisa (Arundell) has been a huge help. I couldn't have done it without her guidance.

"It's difficult and challenging at any age but when you're older you've got to try and manage your body.

"It's been a great opportunity to tick a few boxes at the end of my career - I am playing the highest level around here to finish off my career and it's something I am really proud of."

Clarke said the fifth-placed Bloods were "positive and upbeat" about their finals chances.

They travel to face Port Fairy at Gardens Oval on Saturday.

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