BENDIGO defender Chloe Watson understands how hard it will be to break into the Melbourne Vixens line-up, but on the eve of the first game of the ANZ Championships, she is determined to become a valuable member of team.
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Watson admitted she wasn't expecting to play a lot of game time this season, but said it was a great feeling when she first donned the Vixens colours.
The soon to be 21-year-old got a taste of the elite competition in the Summer Shootout tournament.
She said playing netball at the highest level is something she could get used to.
"Personally I had some good quarters here and there and in others I didn’t," Watson said.
"I learned pretty quickly that every time you step on court against quality teams you need to be at your best.
"There is a big step up in intensity and there is no room for error, the little things you might get away with at VNL you can't at this level."
Watson said she was hopeful she could push for a spot on court.
"If I got a chance to play in a game it would be unreal," she said.
"This is something I can imagine myself doing for a long time," she said.
"At the moment my aim it is to learn and take as much as I can from the other girls, but it will be really hard to crack into this team with the starting seven from the grand final still there.
"Whether I get much court time or not I have to take it all in my stride and be a valuable member of the team."
The reigning champions first round match is on Sunday when they host the Pulse.
The Vixens took on the Pulse two weeks ago when they travelled to Wellington for a pre-season hit out.
Watson said the round one match was shaping up to be a cracking game.
"It will be a pretty physical match," she said.
They have got a great team with Silver Ferns players Irene van Dyk and Jodi Brown, so it will be really tough hit-out."
The game will be played at Margaret Court Arena at 2.18pm.
