Tessa Allen is making a mark in the 2021 Hampden league netball competition

Tessa Allen is establishing herself in Port Fairy's open netball side in 2021 after injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic restricted her games tally.

Seagulls coach Renae Taylor said Allen was the team's best player on Saturday, playing a crucial role in the midcourt against Portland at Gardens Oval.

"She did her knee in her top-age under 15s so she hasn't played a huge amount of netball," Taylor said.

"She'd only just got back and got a bit of confidence in 2019 when she made her comeback three quarters of the way through the year.

"Missing last year (due to COVID) just means she's missed out on a lot of time.

"She's been thrown in the deep end a little bit (in seniors) but she's responded so well. We've been really proud of how she's working at training and so far how she's playing."

Allen is part of a new-look Port Fairy midcourt, joining recruit Olivia Cautley and the established Ally Feely.

"So far 'Liv' and Ally have been combining beautifully through that midcourt."

Cautley, who is studying to be midwife, has added a different dynamic to the Seagulls.

"She's played a fair bit of representative netball prior to coming to us, so she's very fast and agile," Taylor said.

"She has the most beautiful personality, so she's not only a pleasure to have on the court but she's really come in and integrated with the girls so well.

"Her and young Tara Elliott have been carpooling over from Warrnambool for training which has been good."

Alicia Moloney, who is teaching locally, and Bernadette Meade, who is a podiatrist in Warrnambool, have also helped Port Fairy to a 2-0 start to the Hampden league season.

Port Fairy plays Terang Mortlake at Terang Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

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