New Zealander Anna Archie is back playing netball in the south-west and she knows it.
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Archie will play for Nirranda in the Warrnambool and District league this season and has already been reminded of the difference between the way New Zealanders and Aussies play the game.
"We had a practice match last Thursday and it was a real eye-opener as to the different style of play and how the past five seasons have really got away from me," she said.
"Playing at home we play quite a different style of netball."
Archie said teams defended differently in Australia.
"There's a lot more contesting if it's allowed by the umpire," she said.
The mid-court player said in New Zealand teams played a zone more often.
The other difference for Archie will be playing outdoors.
"I'm used to playing indoors," she said.
"Playing outside with different conditions is going to be good."
Archie returns to Nirranda, which she coached in 2013, after five years back home in New Zealand with family.
She was living in the Marlborough region of the south island which is world-famous for Sauvignon Blanc.
Archie worked as a netball development officer for Marlborough Netball setting up programs and academies.
She was also a playing coach for the past five years in a netball competition which is similar to the Hampden league.
Archie returned to Australia for a wedding in Peterborough last year and became hooked on coming back to the south-west.
"I came back for a wedding and decided this is where I want to be," she said.
She said she was looking forward to playing at the same club as friends Anna Murnane and Rebekah Keogh who weren't playing when she was coaching.
"I've always said to myself I'd love to go back and either have a season with them or be playing when they were playing," she said.
"They were good support when I was here last time.
"It's just nice to see them back out on court and have a laugh with them at training."
Archie has moved to Nullawarre and is working on dairy farm.
She has been involved in touch rugby and surf boat rowing at Port Campbell.
Related: Trip back over the Tasman on hold
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