Wangaratta's Rachelle Petts settling into season with reigning premiers

The mum of two is in her first year of Ovens and Murray A-grade netball for Wangaratta after making the step up from B-grade.

While she's enjoying the challenge, Petts admitted she's had to conquer pre-game jitters as she steps on court with the reigning premiers.

But nothing compares to the nerves she felt during the Pies round one clash against Wodonga Raiders.

"I remember thinking I was going to be sick because I was just so nervous to play," Petts said.

"But within 10 minutes I felt like I can do this, it's ok.

"The nerves are still there, but I'm feeling more and more comfortable each week with what I have to do and have confidence in what I can do."

Petts has previously played a decade of A-grade netball for North Wangaratta in the Ovens and King League.

While she never claimed the ultimate prize with the Hawks, she's no stranger to the excitement of finals time.

"For my ten years there I played finals almost every year," she said.

Petts has now been with the Pies for four seasons and has shown her versatility in the A-grade side after being called upon to fill different positions.

"I played a bit of wing attack when Chaye Crimmins was injured and have been swinging into goal attack when we need," she said.

"Most recently our wing defence has been unwell, so I've been playing the last few games there, which is a position I've never played."

Having trained with the back-to-back reigning premiers for the last few seasons, Petts admitted it's helped her transition into the side.

"I was sort of picking up instructions on how they operate," she said.

"Coming onto the court with that side, playing at that level, and stepping straight into how they play was challenging, and still is a challenge.

"But they're all really supportive and always communicating.

"To have my first season in A-grade having only been at the club for four years is pretty awesome."

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When Petts isn't on the netball court she's running around with her sons Carter, 6 and Macauley, 5, with Carter starting Auskick this season.

With her husband Rick also a football coach for Milawa and a former Pie, sport is a major pass time in the Petts house.

"We're very active," she said.

"Having two boys, outside of sport we're either running around or bike riding."

Wangaratta's last encounter before Victoria's lockdown saw them take down Corowa-Rutherglen.

"It was one of those games that we knew was going to be really really tough, because they're the benchmark," Petts said.

"It was a reminder that we're still in it and we're playing good netball."

Petts is now feeling more comfortable each game.

"With the girls around me I can get the job done," she said.

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