Port Fairy netballer Tessa Allen overcomes knee reconstruction

The Port Fairy teenager worked diligently on her rehabilitation after rupturing her left anterior cruciate ligament in February 2018.

She had surgery last May and then spent 12 months building up strength and fitness.

Now the emerging Seagulls midcourter will play for Hampden's 17 and under team at the Netball Victoria Association Championships in Melbourne on Sunday.

It comes just weeks after she made her comeback for Port Fairy's 17 and under side.

"I knew I did the hard work. I was in the garage every night working on everything possible - agility, strength," Allen said of her recovery.

"After school I'd spend about an hour every night working on strength and building it up as well as my confidence and mental toughness.

"I just knew I was ready to come back."

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Allen said it was difficult to suffer a serious injury at a young age.

But the Emmanuel College year 10 student, who hopes to work in the health field once she graduates, said she had a wide support group which helped.

"Early last February I was playing at the Arc with my Port Fairy team and I went down in the first quarter," she said.

"I got surgery on May 10 with Julian Feller (in Melbourne) and he was really nice about it and helped me out.

"I have been going up to Ballarat sometimes to see strength and conditioning (specialists) and they've helped build my strength and I've been doing physio here in Warrnambool with Toby Pettigrew."

Allen said she was humbled to earn a spot in the Bottle Greens' squad off limited game time.

"I have had three games back and (team manager) Marie (Wall) was nice enough to call me into the team and help me feel included," she said.

"It's good to be back. It is a bit nerve-racking but I think I just have to get around the team and get involved and make sure I do everything right."

Staying upbeat also helped Allen as she watched her 15 and under Port Fairy team produce a strong campaign last season.

"My team last year that I missed out on made it to the grand final but they lost," she said.

"It was pretty disappointing but I tried to include myself heaps."

The disciplined midcourter's resilience filters into her game style.

"I'd say tough, I get a bit physical sometimes when I get a bit into the game," she said.

"And if a coach asks me to do something, I'll do it."

Port Fairy is a big part of Allen's life. Dad Gareth "played in his time and won a few football best and fairests" and her three younger brothers - Sam, Hugh and Zac - are starting out as junior footballers at the Gardens Oval-based club.

Hampden will also send open, 15 and under and 13 and under sides to the association championships in Frankston.

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