Back surgery has not stopped Queensland Firebirds captain Kim Ravaillion preparing to reach a big milestone as the Super Netball season approaches.
Ravaillion underwent her surgery in December and Firebirds coach Bec Bulley said the procedure had not dented the 30-year-old's drive to get back on the court.
"Back surgery, it sounds, you know, quite dramatic but Kim instantly felt so much better," Bulley said.
"And she's done a phenomenal job in making sure that she's ticking all the boxes and getting herself as prepared as she can be."
Ravaillion's next match will mark her 150th appearance in the national league, having also represented Australia and won gold at the World Cup and Commonwealth Games.
She has the distinction of being the only player to have made her international debut for the Diamonds prior to her debut in the national league, in 2013 for the Firebirds.
Ravaillion has compared the feeling of getting back on the court post-surgery to debuting, after returning for half a game against the Sunshine Coast Lightning match during the pre-season round.
“I was so nervous and anxious but as soon as the whistle went I was just in game mode," Ravaillion said.
“That white line fever just kicked in.
“Seeing the girls get out there has only just inspired me to work super hard in my rehab but I’ve got to round one and that was my aim."
"I just feel confident now and ready to go,” she said.
Bulley said the veteran's recovery had been a gradual process but one which proved to herself and the team that she was ready to be back.
"Coming off the back of a surgery it's always going to take time to feel confident to get back out on court," she said.
"Even though she's been a little bit modified .. she's been around so much, giving in extra time, always engaged in training sessions, coaching, giving feedback.
"I know the girls have really appreciated having her around and now she just gets to go out and play alongside her teammates."
The Firebirds defeated West Coast Fever and the Mavericks during the Team Girls' Cup and will go up against reigning premiers the Thunderbirds on April 13 in Adelaide for the opening round of the Suncorp Super Netball competition.
