Netball became more than just a game for Sarah Senini this season.
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After becoming a mum to son Billy almost 10 months ago, the court became an outlet for the skilled goal shooter, as her Pigeon teammates offered support in more ways than one.
"Being a first time mum and being at home all the time can be quite isolating," she said.
"It (netball) got me exercising again and it gave me a reason to leave the house.
"A lot of the girls in our team are mums, so you can say you've had a sleepless night and vent and they're just so amazing.
"Each have fabulous qualities and I've really enjoyed it."
After playing most of her Ovens and Murray League netball career with Lavington, Senini said her first season with Yarrawonga brought back memories of growing up in Berrigan.
"There's so many similarities to the club I grew up with," she said.
"On Thursday nights if my fiancé Mitch was stuck at work and couldn't have Billy, someone would come and take him upstairs out of the cold.
"It made it so much easier that I didn't have to worry about him."
The Pigeons finished the home and away season in second spot, just falling short of ladder leaders Corowa-Rutherglen on percentage.
They finished their last game on a high after outrunning reigning premiers Wangaratta.
You could say Senini has a history of finals with Yarrawonga, however, she wasn't always working with them.
While she claimed a flag in 2013 with the Panthers, it was the Pigeons that came out on top in 2016 and 2017.
"It's funny playing for them now when they talk about their reunions, it's a bit awkward," she joked.
"It's a bit of a laugh.
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"I've made some really good friends, in particular Bridget Cassar, who has welcomed me to the club so well and included me and my family."
After having all of their netball sides qualify for finals this season, Senini admitted she's excited to see what possibilities could lie ahead in 2022.
"We have great depth at the club at the moment and it's a credit to everyone," she said.
"The league tried their hardest to give us every opportunity to have a finals series, and credit to them.
"I really hope next year we get a full season in and I'm really looking forward to going around again in some capacity at Yarra.
"It's been a really special year and I was so grateful to get in the games that we were able to play."
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