WHEN it comes to netball grand finals Amber Stockman has her fair share of experience, but as for Central West AFL, well that's a different story.
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Come Saturday afternoon at George Park 2, Stockman will get her first taste of a Central West AFL women's decider when she and her fellow Bathurst Giants do battle with the Lady Bushrangers.
Unlike netball Stockman will be trying to tackle her rivals. Unlike netball she will be kicking the ball. Unlike netball, when she gets the Sherrin in her hands on Saturday she can run.
It has been a big change going from representing All Saints' in netball to becoming part of the Giants army, but it's a move Stockman is glad she made.
"I played netball all through school, but my mate Dom [Mitton] said 'Do you want to play football this year?' and I said 'Sure'," Stockman said.
"I thought it would be something a bit different, I'd played the same sport all through school, so I'm not used to trying a new sport. I thought I'd push myself outside my comfort zone.
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"I definitely like the physical side of it, I'm just getting used to the different shaped ball - and kicking in general and catching in general," she added with a laugh.
"But everyone is so nice in the team, you always feel supported even if you miss the ball or do a wonky kick."
Stockman will be tasked with playing in the forward pocket and on the wing against the Lady Bushrangers and will be looking for the more experienced Mariah Gilchrist, Danita Lane and Hailee Provest to help guide her.
"It's good having some people up there, a few of the veterans like Hailee and Gilly and D, so I've got people helping me all the time and telling me where to go," she said.
"I think Bushies always come out so hard and we play catch up, that's kind of what we've done. So as long as we can do that and not get frazzled if they get ahead we'll be okay."
Opening bounce on Saturday is at 12.30pm.
