Emily Browne avoids injury after scare in return for North Albury

The Toni Wilson Medallist left the court during the dying stages of North Albury's Easter Sunday twilight clash with Myrtleford after landing awkwardly on her knee with five minutes to play.

The Hopper admitted for a brief moment she feared the worst.

"You hear about all of the horror stories," Browne said.

"It turned out just to be more of an impact thing than a twist.

"I got up and could move alright, so I thought I'd see how it went.

"It just kept buckling every time I'd go to take off."

The returned O and M star is relieved to have not suffered any damage.

She admitted she's been lucky with injuries during her career.

"I think the worst thing I've done is dislocate my thumb," she said.

"I'd like to keep it that way."

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The clash marked the first time Browne had donned the Hoppers' colours since the 2017 season.

Despite the Saints running away with a five goal win, Browne admitted it was good to be back.

"After spending some time away and then going back out there, it was just really good to walk out with some of the same girls, and so many young girls who were playing in the 16s when I was here last," she said.

"A couple of the girls could be playing in the under-17s, but they walked out there and looked like they'd been playing A-grade for years.

"Seeing all of the old faces around was really good."

With several seasons of coaching experience now under her belt in the Tallangatta and District netball league, Browne has returned as a leader for the club's young players.

"I'd like to think that in a way I am, but there's so many other players in the team that are like that as well," she said.

"As a player I think you're continuously learning from people.

"As much as they're learning from me, I'm also learning from them."

Browne and former Rutherglen defender Jamie Sandilands both starred in their first round match.

The Cats claimed their first win of the TDNA season on Good Friday against Wahgunyah under new coach Brianna Renshaw.

The Hoppers are now preparing to take on Wangaratta Rovers, who are coming off the back of a thrilling win against Albury.

The Tigers will be looking for redemption when they face Corowa-Rutherglen this weekend.

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