THEY say absence makes the heart grow fonder and that certainly describes the relationship between Kelsey Meade and her Sandhurst team-mates.
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Not that the star Dragons goal attack has exactly been absent from the club over the past few years, but prior to last Saturday's round one clash against Maryborough, the last time Meade stepped onto the court as a player was in the Dragons' thrilling overtime win in the 2018 BFNL grand final against Gisborne.
She missed the club's 2019 triumph over Kangaroo Flat after giving birth to her and husband Nathan's first child India (now aged two).
A planned comeback in 2020 was put on hold due to a second pregnancy, with son Paddy born earlier this year. Albeit little did it affect her playing status, as the season was cancelled due to COVID-19.
After missing out in 2019, the last thing Meade wanted was to miss out again in 2020. She wasn't alone.
But there were smiles all round when the Dragons dual premiership star made her long-awaited return to the court in Saturday's 77-27 win over the Magpies.
"2019 was really hard, missing the third premiership in a row. I still felt like I was part of the team, but obviously still feeling a little bit on the outer not being on the court," Meade said.
"But it's great being back out there and among friends.
"I missed it a lot - I was probably the happiest player in the league last season when it was cancelled because it wasn't going to work for me anyway."
With three-time premiership goal shooter Bec Smith unavailable last Saturday, it was a different role Meade was thrust into for her return, lining up at goal shooter, with Heather Oliver assuming the duties at Meade's traditional goal attack position.
She showed she had lost none of her deft touch and precision, contributing 29 goals through the first three quarters before making way for Gabriella Greene and spending the final term on the bench.
Exemplifying the selfless nature that has underpinned Sandhurst's triple premiership reign, Meade said she was happy to play any role allotted to her by coach Tamara Gilchrist.
"It's a bit different sitting back in goal shooter, which I haven't played a lot of in my last three or so seasons," she said.
