If you want to see the embodiment of mind over matter on a netball court, all you would have to do is look as far as Stawell Warrior Lisa Fleming.
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The lightly built defender is regularly majorly outsized by her opponents, but it is rare you would see the 24-year-old give anything less than her best effort on the court.
"It is definitely a challenge, especially this year realising there are girls so much taller and stronger," Fleming said.
"It is just about giving it a go and having a laugh when it does come down and you are standing next to an eight-foot-tall girl.
"You just have to roll with it try your best."
Fleming notched her 100th A Grade game for the Warriors against Minyip-Murtoa in the pouring rain last weekend, a milestone match she won't soon forget.
"I had a moment where I had a think about it but once you get in the court you focus in and forget about it," she said.
"With the rain your attention quickly turns to staying safe and not tripping over.
"Looking back now, to hit that milestone is pretty special. In those 100 games I have played with the likes of Emma Henry and Kellie Somerville who were great to learn from, as well as Tracey Dark who is now coach which is really cool."
Fleming has been at the Warriors for her whole playing career, getting involved with the sport as a youngster.
"The under-13s needed more players and I wasn't into any sport at that stage so I thought I'd have a go and it has stuck ever since," she said.
"I have played every year since. I travelled for a bit in my gap year and missed a few games but still managed to get out on the court a few times."
Fleming said being involved with the Warriors has been a key part of her life.
"I love the club and the people around it," she said.
"They have been good to me so it is about giving back to the club that gives so much to you. There is a really nice vibe around the club, so there's no reason to leave."
The young defender has continued to give back to the club she said gives much to her, having coached 17-and-unders last year and leading the 15-and-under side in 2019.
She said coaching has been rewarding.
"Jade (Cross) and I are ecstatic coaching them, they are a really exciting group of girls and have proved each week just how talented they are," Fleming said.
"It is a pleasure to work with those young girls and give back to the club and help develop that next generation of netballers coming through."
Wins have been few and far between for Stawell's A Grade side in recent years, claiming just two wins since 2017, including a winless start to the 2019 campaign. Fleming said there is plenty of positivity around the group despite a tough run.
"We haven't won too many games recently but it is more about looking at what we are doing right rather than what we are doing wrong," she said.
"There are bits of our play that are absolutely fantastic and we are keeping with the top teams and we can match them at times, it is just doing that over four quarters that we need to focus on.
"The girls we have do have a great sense of humour and are quite positive which helps a lot. I'm confident we can get a few wins on the board this year and we can keep building."
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