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CHLOE Watson remembers all too well the routine Bendigo netballers went through for a last minute change of dress on game day.
The Melbourne Vixens star, who formerly played with BFNL club Sandhurst, said teammates would form a huddle around the player to shield her from public view.
"If we wanted to get our ankles taped, or something like that, we would have to run over to the boy’s footy change rooms," Watson said.
"It's not amazing, but you hope things are getting better."
Back in Bendigo this week for a AFL Central Victoria Academy Netball Program presentation night, Watson was glad to hear of a community push for better facilities for women in sport in the region.
"That's really great to hear," she said in reference to the community campaign.
Watson indicated the conditions facing country sportswomen compared to those plying their trade in the ANZ Championship were world's apart.
"On game day we have our own change rooms and at home we have access to our club rooms and locker rooms every single day," she said.
"It's a home base. I'm sure a similar thing around (central Victorian clubs) would be handy.
"It's great to have that recognition."
Watson, who in 2014 represented Australia at under-21 level, has been a member of the Vixens squad for the past two seasons.
She also played for Australia's under-19 team in 2013.
The 22-year-old is currently studying the fourth year of a law degree.
Watson is the second high-profile sports star from the region to declare support for the push for better women's sports facilities.
Her ANZ Championship colleague, NSW Swifts goal shooter Caitlin Thwaites told the Bendigo Advertiser that netballers deserved the same basic facilities an amenities as other sports.
“It is evolving, but there’s still a lot of work to be done," she said.
“At the level I play I’m blessed to get the opportunity to train in a purpose-built netball venue in Sydney that was built prior to the world championships.
“It’s great to see netball finally recognised with a purpose-built venue that ranks alongside some of the other major sports.
“As the sport grows, the facilities need to grow and that starts at the grassroots level."
The campaign comes as the number of women and girls participating in sport reaches record levels.
- with Adam Bourke