And this was sorely missed in 2020 after the netball and footy seasons were crash-tackled by COVID-19.
South Mildura netball star Maddison Toms has reflected on the season that never was – and why she’ll never take for granted again the camaraderie that sport delivers.
“It’s been so tough for everyone at the sporting clubs,” said Toms, who is also a registered nurse at Mildura Base Hospital.
“Not just from the physical benefits of sport, but also the social side of things.
“All of the players and anyone connected to clubs missed having something to look forward to on weekends in 2020.”
The former Sunraysia interleague player said she was looking forward to getting back into the team environment when the pre-season starts in the next fortnight.
“Saturdays have been very different in 2020 – so my hope is that 2021 allows us to get the clubs back together and we can enjoy the social side of sport, as much as the physical part,” Toms said.
“It’s been such a stressful year. I feel drained. But I’m ready to hit the reset button for the new year.
“I don’t take the simple things in life for granted now. And that includes spending time with my teammates.
“I never thought I’d say this, but I’ve missed going to training.
“So bring on pre-season training and hopefully we can have a 2021 season that is as close to normal as possible.”
Story and photo courtesy of Sunraysia Daily