The Ovens and Murray's current top two netball sides united on the weekend in an effort to reclaim some normality.
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While there has been no rounds played in the competition since July 10, ladder leaders Corowa-Rutherglen and Yarrawonga met for a much-needed practice match.
Roos' coach Georgie Bruce believes the extended pause in the competition due to Covid restrictions has taken a mental toll on players.
"Everyone just wants to play sport and have some level of normality," Bruce said.
"When we found out that the Ovens and Murray wasn't going ahead on the weekend, you could just feel the emotional strain.
"They were really looking forward to getting back into it."
The game was as much about match fitness as it was about lifting spirits.
"It got everyone out and about and engaged in netball," Bruce said.
"It gives us all a better chance to perform at the level we've been aiming for, rather than having an additional week off.
"I think both clubs had a great day out."
Despite being based in NSW, the Roos had nine players across their netball grades who were impacted by Victoria's recent two-week lockdown.
Albury also met Jindera for a practice match last week and looks set to take on Yackandandah for another.
Tigers' coach Sarah Moore admitted it felt like the season was starting all over again.
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"It's unsettling because we're trying to focus on what we're meant to do every week, but there's still a lot of uncertainty," Moore said.
"For us, we just had some momentum going and our new combinations were starting to click.
"You feel like you're starting again."
After 12 games the Tigers sit just outside the top five, with Myrtleford, Lavington and Wangaratta in the upper half with the Pigeons and Roos.
Moore said the side would still like the opportunity to fight for a finals spot this season.
"We would love to play the next three games to the best of our ability," she said.
"For us, we're just focusing on putting our best foot forward while not knowing what's going to happen the week after.
"You can't look too far ahead because things change too quickly in this environment."
Even though the Tigers have been able to continue training, they have had at least seven players across the three grades who live south of the border.
"Those girls are finding it a little bit hard to come back and slot straight into it," Moore said.
The Tigers are scheduled to meet the Pigeons for round 16, while the Roos meet the Raiders.
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