Panmure recruit Emily Byers has played just one season of netball in her life but is ready take court in the Warrnambool and District league this year.
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Byers has been a staple of the Warrnambool Rangers in the Ballarat and District Soccer Association and enjoyed premiership success in 2016.
She was also captain of the Rangers in 2017 and runner-up in their best and fairest last season.
The South West Healthcare nurse, who last played netball for Allansford in 2014, said she was thrilled to play again.
"I'm very excited, I'm a real sportsperson so I can't wait," she said.
"I just thought Panmure was a good place to go, everyone's lovely and friendly and it's a good club."
Byers' sister, Grace, and a friend from work encouraged her to join them at the Bulldogs.
The Panmure recruit said her soccer experience had helped her read the play on a netball court.
"I was a defender in my soccer days mostly so I think that has helped me a lot when picking up the game," she said.
But Byers said the transition to netball was not without challenges.
"Having to change up how you use your body has been a bit of a challenge so far," she said.
"In soccer you don't have to pull back as much, whereas in netball you've got to be a bit more careful."
Byers said she would just play netball this season despite having played soccer most years since she was about 12 years old.
Originally from Ireland, Byers hails from near Newbridge in County Kildare which is about half an hour from Dublin.
She said she moved to Warrnambool when she was about nine.
Byers, who is currently based in Warrnambool, is also a personal trainer at Warrnambool 24/7 Gym and Fitness.
This season the Bulldogs are looking to build on their second-last finish in 2018.
They will face Kolora-Noorat first up on April 6 at Noorat Recreation Reserve.
The team will be guided by Stacy Dunkley who is undertaking her first senior coaching role.
Dunkley won the A grade best and fairest award at Russells Creek last season.
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