Former Bandit Maddy Plunkett to play Ovens and Murray netball with Lavington

Only the court looks a little bit different this time.

The former Bandit is trying her hand at netball with Ovens and Murray League club Lavington this season.

Plunkett, whose father Simon is a life-member and mother Fran a former netballer at the club, said the time felt right to make the switch.

"I'm really looking forward to being back in a team environment and playing netball," she said.

"Last year I thought about it and went and watched the trials, but it just wasn't great timing.

"It's something new for me, so I'm really excited."

While she played junior netball, much of the 32-year-old's life has been spent on the basketball court.

Plunkett played in the Lady Bandits' first ever game as a teenager before tackling college basketball in the US for six years with the College of Southern Idaho and Utah State.

Despite several injuries derailing her seasons, Plunkett looks back on the time fondly.

"It was the best experience," she said.

"I made the All American team and had an awesome first year and then in the preseason of my sophomore year I tore my ACL.

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"I sat out for a year and half and really struggled to come back from that.

"I then went to Utah State and right before the big tournament I broke my foot.

"I tried to play a bit of basketball when I came back home and then I broke it again.

"I think by then I'd just had enough, so I decided to call it a day.

"I'm really coming out of retirement."

Plunkett last played for the Bandits in 2013 under coach James Ballinger.

She admitted her injuries are now a thing of the past.

"I just have to focus on looking after my body and not going too hard too fast," she said.

The goal-shooter said she's still finding her feet on the netball court.

"A lot of the footwork, quick stopping and starting and change of direction have been a bit more challenging for me," she said.

"I didn't really get to play much netball because basketball consumed my life, so I had to pick between the two."

Lavington coach Catherine Wood said she's excited to see what Plunkett brings to the team, with her height to add a new element for the Panthers.

"She's definitely up for the challenge," Wood said.

Lavington has also welcomed Courtney Hillier onboard this season, while Ellen Williams has returned to the club.

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