And it was a big step for former Australian Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander.

Stepping out on court at Rokewood with Grasshoppers' netballers was the first time Alexander had led a training session since with the Diamonds in February last year.

To get back to a community club was not unusual for Alexander, who would volunteer a couple of sessions a year. This time was extra special for Alexander, who looked forward to getting back on court with long-time friend and Hoppers' coach Kerry Lightfoot to see firsthand what Rokewood-Corindhap was all about.

"I speak about community service and culture but it sounds like there doesn't need to be a lot of work here," Alexander said. "I really respect the leaders at this football-netball club and you can see that respect they have here.

"Just getting netball back going is great. It's amazing to be back on courts...Getting people out playing - people missed the game but they also love the connections."

A farm fit football challenge with coach Shaune Moloney talking on a "gym fit" football player during lockdowns last year put Rokewood-Corindhap as a club on the map. The video was intended to be a bit of fun for members in isolation but made national news for its highly popular, creative take on iso-fitness.

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Hoppers netball manager Adele Nairn said there was a lot of excitement about the club ahead of next month's Central Highlands football and netball leagues' season openers. But it was was hard to not feel a little greater expectation on what the club might serve up.

Nairn said it was particularly pleasing to see younger netballers, those who missed their last season of under-age competition, really take on the session with Alexander.

"This is a highly revered, international sporting coach with an amazing amount to offer," Nairn said. "We have a pretty young playing list and they could've been overwhelmed by the sense of the occasion but they took on every single piece of advice Lisa was giving them."

Alexander led netball training for the Grasshoppers' pre-season camp at the weekend. She spoke with club footballers and netballers at a teams dinner.

On the court, Alexander worked with players on injury prevention and warm-ups, particularly important after a long time on the sidelines. She also focused on helping the Hoppers get the basics right because that was the key to being ready for whatever the season might bring.

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