Uranquinty and Wagga Tigers netballer Olivia Tilyard believes the Riverina League is better off playing a shortened season instead of pressing on into the hotter months.
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The 21-year-old, who also coaches the Tigers, is confident a return to netball is imminent with the country's success in flattening the coronavirus curve expected to lead to an easing in restrictions.
But she feels playing on past September and competing for talent with summer sports isn't the logical option.
Wagga Wagga Netball Incorporated, who play A-grade on Wednesday nights, revealed late last week they are shooting for a season start from Saturday, July 18.
The Farrer and Riverina League netball competition will continue to play fixtures in line with their respective Australian Rules competitions when, or if, they commence.
Tilyard has kept busy with her job at Wagga saleyards and studying a Bachelor of Agriculture, and is as desperate as anyone for netball to return.
But she is adamant a shorter competition that finishes around its traditional date is the better option than extending it into October or November.
"I think everyone has adhered to the rules recently and there's an easing of restrictions. There's no reason we won't get back on the court soon, as long as everyone abides by the guidelines," Tilyard said.
"The (Riverina League) finals are in the stadium at Narrandera and it's hot enough in there at the end of September, you wouldn't want to play it too much later.
"Everyone else also has their off season sports as well like touch footy or softball, a few of our girls do.
"Uni exams will be in October too and if we had grand finals at the same time (it would be very busy)."
Unlike many, Tilyard is lucky to still be getting plenty of fresh air at the saleyards.
"Even just having a job to be honest (is a blessing), I'm very privileged," she said.
"It's been pretty quiet at the saleyards, they've cut people right back and aren't having any visitors.
"Normally you have your old cockies come in and watch their sheep be sold, but we can't do that. Even numbers are down in stock, but with it raining they're maybe holding onto them."
Tilyard said online groups have allowed her to keep in contact with her Tigers teammates.
"We've started a Facebook page and we've been doing some training sessions on there," she said.
"I've finished doing some workouts and challenges they can do in their spare time, and that's been working well.
"We do live videos and jump on and have a chat, it's been really good."
The Tigers have lured Australian touch football representative Rhiannon Podmore from Turvey Park, while Tilyard hopes to convince young defender Abbey Morton to play again should basketball commitments not prevent her from doing so.
Uraquinty will be looking for a third straight Wagga A-grade premiership after holding off arch rivals New Kids Aces last year.
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