Moruya's Peta Cottington is focussed on kicking goals through COVID.
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In the Eurobodalla Shire competition, Cottington gets a kick out of Wednesday night games with Narooma teammates but her focus is a level above, playing for the elite representative club of Southern NSW.
Cottington played for Southern Branch Football Club as a junior; several years later she continues to shine on the first grade women's side.
At the weekend's second game of the season, the side played at South Nowra's Ison Park. Cottington was thrilled with the result after a hard-fought game against last year's top team, Gladesville Ravens.
Amanda Carney, Bronte Wright and Cottington all found the back of the net for Southern, while Carlie Ikonomou, Annabel Forbes and Georgia Vlangos scored the Ravens' goals - ending in a 3-all draw.
After Cottington finishes work at a Batemans Bay aged care facility, she travels to Nowra for training once a week and as far as Sydney for games.
"You get tired from all the travel, training and games, but I would do it over again next year," she said.
"I love the competition and pushing myself to be better than what I was yesterday."
When COVID put a hold on most sports, including football, Cottington said she did her best not to go "crazy".
"We were all trying not to go crazy after our season was put on hold, with no games or training," she said.
"Our coach Brad Banks would check in on us to make sure we were staying active and healthy."
After the government's return-to-play announcement, the season restarted and Cottington has not looked back. Only two games into the season she has proved an asset in the midfield.
Cottington encouraged others in the shire seeking a challenge or higher level of competition to consider Southern Branch FC.
"I love playing at this level, it's all worth it in the end," she said.
"You get something out of every training session and continue to grow each game, making you a better player.
"Southern is a great pathway."
The Southern Branch women have a bye this weekend, before taking on UNSW FC in round four on August 9.