The coronavirus pandemic has given sportspeople the opportunity to explore new activities.
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Gun netballer Ava Pierce has discovered a passion for footy.
The 17-year-old, who wants to continue with her budding netball career, wouldn't mind having a kick next year as well.
The Warrnambool Blues midcourter has been passing time by kicking a footy with her brother Joe and dad Richard in the park this year.
"I'd love to play footy," she said.
"I've played footy for a bit but not for a proper club, just for school.
"I think it would be pretty fun."
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Pierce feels it would be another good outlet heading into year 12 at Emmanuel College Warrnambool in 2021.
It seems plenty of Western Victoria Female Football League junior clubs would be happy to have the talented netballer join them.
Pierce, a Port Fairy resident, is otherwise dedicated to improving her netball.
She represented Geelong Cougars in a Victorian Netball League under 19s preliminary final in 2019 and was in the squad again this year.
The teenager was travelling to Geelong twice a week for training prior to the first coronavirus lockdown.
The wing attack/centre didn't get a chance to run on court with the Cougars this year but has been following a home exercise program throughout the pandemic restrictions.
"They give out a program every month or so and it has a few exercises and reps we need to do," she said.
"Each time we do it, we increase our weight and once completed we get given a new program."
It's fortunate Pierce has a well-equipped home gym where she can lift weights, perform balancing exercises and footwork drills.
She said her program involved arm, leg and back weights; balancing on one foot and using quick feet along an agility ladder.
She has also been focused on running sprints at intervals.
Pierce said she would continue to follow the program in netball's absence.
The 17-year-old, who switched from Port Fairy to Warrnambool this year, was grateful to play two 17 and under matches before the Hampden league junior season was called off.
Prior to the season she was hoping to play open grade netball and 17 and under on the same day.
She won't get the opportunity again next year because she'll be too old for 17 and under netball.
Pierce feels she may have missed a chance to develop her consistency on the court in 2020.
"I reckon for sure just getting more knowledge and becoming more consistent....I need to bring that into my game more," she said.
Pierce said she would like to get as far as she could with netball.
But added school comes first.
"I want to keep playing at a higher level and I want to get to the highest level I can and keep playing there," she said.
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