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For former Silver Fern Donna Wilkins, returning to top level netball was just like riding a bike.
Make that just like riding a bike uphill, through treacherous mountain terrain, in a high gear.
After giving birth to her first son 11 weeks ago, Wilkins played her first game in over 18 months when she took the court for the Southern Steel in their pre-season opener against the Swifts.
She was joined by former Silver Ferns captain Adine Wilson, who was playing in her first game since the final of the 2007 World Champs, having also taken time out to have a baby.
The Steel didn't have quite the success they would have been hoping for, suffering hefty losses to the Swifts and the Northern Mystics.
But this weekend was never going to be about the score for the two returning mums.
Having only taken part in two weeks of full training with the Steel, Wilkins was just thrilled to get through two full games.
"It was good to get out there, I didn't really expect to play the whole games - I might have to have a wee chat to Robyn about that," said Wilkins.
"But in all honesty, I need as much court-time as possible, I've been out of it for 18 months so to get more court-time it'll be better for me in the long-run but my body might feel it after the weekend."
It was Wilkins' first encounter with the Australian style of play since her international days, and the Swifts certainly provided her with wake-up call.
With the Swifts having only had four full court sessions before yesterday, their comprehensive 68-49 win is an ominous sign for the other competition heavyweights.
