Netball was about the furthest thing from Amigene Metcalfe's mind a year ago - until somebody told her you're a long time retired.
Before she knew it, after years on the fringes, she'd gained a spot in the Silver Ferns for the test series against Australia in November.
However, given little opportunity to impress with just one quarter on court, she was dropped for the home series against England in March.
There are those who believe she deserves another look, but right now, Metcalfe is focused on the National Bank Cup.
She's set to take the court for the 50th time for Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic tomorrow when they clash with Force in round two.
She almost didn't return to netball after having her first child, daughter Jorja, now a year old.
The diminutive midcourter was enticed back to club netball and found neither her skill or enjoyment of the game had diminished and decided to stick with it.
While it was "cool" making the Silver Ferns, when she discovered her commitments with the national squad, followed by the National Bank Cup, would allow her no free weekends until June, she thought twice about a return.
"But then I knew I might never have this opportunity again ... and having a break gave me a new perspective on the game," said Metcalfe.
"I'm enjoying training more. I'm still competitive but realise it's just a game and it's not always about the end result.
"I'm enjoying each moment now, it's not a chore - and it had become that."
Any thoughts of an international comeback are currently on the backburner, Metcalfe happy to focus on Magic's 2005 campaign.
"I've been there and done that ... Now I've got the attitude if it happens, it happens. I'm not stressed about it.
"I really enjoy playing for the Magic, I really enjoy the girls I play with ... I just want to have a good time really."
Metcalfe certainly seems to be having a good time.
She dominated in Magic's win over Diamonds last weekend and is looking for another strong game against Force at North Shore tomorrow afternoon.
Force had a shaky start to the competition, scraping through with a win against the lower-ranked Otago Rebels in extra time last week.
Magic coach Noeline Taurua expects the home side to come out firing and she's looking for Magic to do the same after a week of working with her players on reducing error rates and refining court tactics.
"We know how Force play but we need to concentrate on ourselves, get our strategies right and keep the error rate down.
"If we can do that, we should do alright," Taurua said.
Metcalfe eyes half-century for Magic
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.