MEAGAN Forth is living proof the phrase "no rest for the wicked" is more than just a tired old cliche.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The former Old Collegians coach is juggling motherhood, working part-time, running a side business and playing netball in a Warrnambool and District league outfit chasing a premiership.
Forth is plying her trade under close friend Steph Townsend at Nirranda and is relishing the chance to play a role in one of the district's most promising teams.
"It was a combination of reasons (I'm playing at Nirranda). I'm living out that way now and with (son) Sawyer, it made a lot of sense logistically," she said.
"I was thinking it was going to be hard to take the step back to being just a player at Collegians. I'd been so heavily involved there for so many years coaching and on the committee.
I love Collegians and I'll always go back but this was about (challenging myself).
- Meagan Forth
"I think I was a bit naive to think I could maintain the (commitment) level that I have previously. The chance to play with Steph was a big drawcard too as we haven't played together since 2015.
"I love Collegians and I'll always go back but this was about growing and challenging myself as well."
Forth and Townsend were part of Old Collegians' 2013 premiership under Lisa Arundell and fell just short of flags in 2014 and 2015.
The duo were opposing coaches for three seasons - Townsend at Nirranda and Forth at Collegians - but the desire to play together again never waned.
The chance to suit up again as teammates has been full of learning.
"Steph is such a good game-day coach. She's great strategically and is able to assess a situation and how to break a game apart," Forth said.
"It's been a great experience for me. I'm a pretty technically-based coach so I'm learning from playing under her.
"Coming in, I think Steph knew it didn't sit right with me just being a player but it's really nice to be able to get there before we play and if I have to leave afterwards (for Sawyer) I can.
"I've been able to focus on my game and grow under her leadership and play in an extremely talented team.
"There's been lots of change in my life in the past 12 to 24 months and I'm just rolling with it."
Forth's midcourt role - largely wing defence and wing attack - is also a boon for the mother-of-one.
"We have a few different styles of play through those wings and that's allowed us to change up the pace of the ball and delivery and that kind of thing," she said.
"We're embracing whatever time we have on the bench and really working together.
"There were a few confidence issues there for me as I wasn't sure what to expect after having a baby but the chance to play with a team of that calibre was a real drawcard as well.
"The depth goes right through the side."
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.