Wanganui-raised netballer Jodi Brown wants to play for the Silver Ferns again.
But she realises she has a lot more work to do on her fitness before she's capable of standing up to the rigours of test netball.
Brown (nee Te Huna) was basking in the glory of Tactix's form-reversal win over the Firebirds in the ANZ league on Saturday when the Chronicle caught up with her.
She conceded she had found it hard getting back up to speed after having a child, daughter Kiana, several months ago.
But her fitness and shooting form are on an upswing, something that hasn't gone unnoticed by national coach Ruth Aitken, who wants leading players to make a two-year commitment to the team.
Aitken and Brown, 28, had a heart-to-heart last week about her availability, and Brown told her she still had the passion and desire to represent her country.
However, she now had a family to consider and didn't want to commit herself to anything until she was satisfied she could seriously push for a starting place in the Silver Ferns.
Brown cut a sombre figure after her Commonwealth Games dream was cut down by injury three years ago.
In her absence, Maria Tutaia has grown as an international shooter, proving more than an adequate foil for the durable Irene van Dyk.
But obviously Aitken still wants Brown in the mix with a tough international season ahead which culminates with a Super series in England.
Brown is aiming for that tournament but for the meantime is solely concentrating on the last few weeks of the ANZ league before deciding her future.
She feels after a series of mixed results, the Tactix finally found the right formula - "more speed on the passing" - against the Firebirds, but conceded a semi-final place looked out of reach.
After 10 rounds they have a four win, six loss record.
Though she lives in Dunedin and plays for a Christchurch team, Brown hasn't forgotten her Wanganui roots, and hopes to do some coaching back home - when there's free time in her busy schedule, of course.
NETBALL: Brown eyes Ferns spot
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