Netball has always been part of Jade Ralph's life, growing up on the sidelines watching her mother play.
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It was a natural fit when seven seasons ago, Ralph, or Jade Cleary as she was known then, joined the Swifts after moving to Stawell.
Joining her husband Jordan, Ralph said she felt right at home the first time she walked into the club.
"I knew what it meant to be around a netball and football club, playing in Casterton and in Ballarat before coming to Stawell," she said.
"I did follow Jordy to the Swifts but in saying that the atmosphere has been good and it really helped with not knowing anyone when I came to Stawell.
"From memory, it would have been scary coming to a town and a club not knowing anyone. Everyone was really welcoming straight away."
Finding her way around the goal circle came naturally to Ralph as her mother also plays as goal shooter.
"I remember playing in the goals since I was a junior," she said.
"I played one game in goal defence when I was in about 17 but I mostly played in goal attack.
"In later years I've moved into goal shooter."
Ralph said despite the perception of being calm under pressure she can let the pressure get to her.
"The pressure does get to me, I might appear to be cool, calm and collected, but it's there," she said.
"I know it's a downfall in my game. Otherwise, I have a pretty steady head on the court, which is probably my strong point.
"It's only when I go to shoot. I am aware of it and it's part of my game I know I need to work on.
"I love the adrenaline when you are on the court on game day - there's nothing else quite like it."
A natural leader, Ralph has coached for a number of seasons at the Baggies and coaches the B Grade team in 2019.
"I was the assistant coach of under-15 about three years ago and then coached C Grade the year after," she said.
"I feel like because I've been here quite a while it was only fitting to give back to the club.
"I am passionate about the club and see some players have returned because of the direction we are heading.
"I am dedicated to our fitness training because I know how important fitness is when it comes to games of netball."
Ralph said despite the possibility of not being able to choose to play another sport, she feels lucky that she fell in love with the sport as much as her mother.
"It's very social considering we only play one game a week," she said.
"It gets me out of the house during winter otherwise I would probably hibernate.
"I love the team sport atmosphere - I play tennis during the summer and although it's doubles, I still miss being part of the larger team."
Not sure about where her netball journey will take her, Ralph said there was one thing which was certain.
"Both Jordy and I will probably be around the club forever," she said.
"I'm undecided if I will keep coaching or not. I will definitely stay involved whether I'm coaching or not at the club."
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