Carly Peake returns to WDFNL netball four months after giving birth to son

The Merrivale midcourter had planned to take a season off after giving birth to son Louie almost four months ago.

But, having recovered well, a phone call from coach Elisha Sobey encouraged the premiership Tiger to reassess.

"I had no intentions of playing, there was never any plan for me to come back and play but unfortunately one of the girls had to pull out of the season with work and family commitments," Peake said.

"Elisha just rang and said would I come and be a number for them and obviously then you have to qualify (for finals), I am just stepping on and off the court, playing a little bit when I can but not pushing myself."

Peake had planned to play six games to qualify for finals and then the most recent coronavirus lockdown shut down the Warrnambool and District league competition, eliminating two rounds from the schedule.

The competition has lost four of its original 18-round season to restrictions.

It means Peake, 26, is unsure if she will play enough games to qualify.

"I played the game before we went into (the most recent) lockdown. I played a quarter in the ressies and a quarter in the A grade game," she said.

"Then we've had two byes. So I will only play five games but you're meant to play six to qualify.

"From talking to other clubs, everyone has written a letter (to the league) to say 'COVID again'. You would think that would be an exception but we haven't heard anything back yet."

Peake, who has also trained with Big V side Warrnambool Mermaids, said she was happy to be back on court.

"It is totally different for me at the moment, I am just happy to be back getting some run in the legs," she said.

"I am not moving a whole heap, I am trying to work out what I can and can't do.

"It is a great bunch of girls, so it's fun and enjoyable. They are all there to play seriously and win but it's also a good outlet for a lot of them who are mums so socially it's just good to have a bit of a laugh."

Peake said Louie had "been an absolute dream" for her, husband Matt and her step-children.

She said he was a solid sleeper which had allowed her to be rested enough to return to netball.