Mal Nankervis plays A grade netball with long-time powerhouse Yarrawonga, has just finished runner-up in the AFL North East Border open women’s best and fairest and is a previous women’s winner of the Man From Snowy River Bush Festival challenge.

“Growing up around the farm we always grew up around horses,” Nankervis said.

“And I always played footy and netball as a kid.”

The 25-year-old grew up at Colac Colac (pronounced Clack Clack), near Corryong.

The defender had previously played netball at Cudgewa and Mitta United, but the most powerful club in O and M history was another challenge.

“If I got in B grade, I would have been absolutely rapt,” she said.

“I started off last year playing A and B and this year, I’ve settled into A.”

Nankervis admits sport dominates her life.

“There’s not much time for anything else really.”