Injured Kiewa-Sandy Creek captain Ellen Cook embracing new opportunity

Ellen Cook's season ended before it had even started after suffering a dislocated knee during a preseason match back in March.

Now 12 weeks on from a medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, Cook has found a new way to appreciate the game while assisting coach Kath Evans on the bench.

"It's a great opportunity learning from her, and getting to watch the girls play from a different angle is a really good learning experience," Cook said.

"It's been hard, but taking the positives away, it's a great opportunity."

It's meant the defender has had to accept two consecutive years off the court, after COVID derailed the 2020 season.

"It's probably one of the hardest things having a season ending injury, especially having it happen in preseason," she said.

"Netball's a big part of my life, and not being able to play for a second year in a row is really hard.

"I was named captain and we were heading into a season defending our premiership from 2019.

"There was a lot of things going through my mind at the time."

Cook is now in the rehabilitation phase of what is her first major injury, but admits she still has a long way to go before she can return to the court.

"The end goal is to get back out there, but there's still a bit of a long road ahead," she said.

"I've worked really hard so far and we're pretty happy with the progress.

"I haven't done it by myself, I have a really good physio and exercise physiologist overseeing me.

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"Feeling all of the support from my teammates and Kath has really helped as well.

"I'll be looking to next year, if I can get everything working."

While Cook is the Hawk's official captain, Caitlin Davis has stepped up to fill the role on court, alongside vice-captain Bec Evans.

After getting a feel for assisting the side, Cook admits coaching may be something to consider.

"It's definitely an opportunity I'd like to look forward to one day, and obviously I've learnt so much from Kath," she said.

The Hawks face Beechworth at home this weekend.

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