Mainland Tactix netball captain Jess Maclennan hopes some gold-medal magic rubs off on her team as they prepare for the 2018 ANZ Premiership.
Last season's competition cellar dwellers have gone to cruel and unusual lengths to keep their heads above water this time round, including tips from Paralympic swim star Sophie Pascoe and coach Roly Crichton.
"We're very lucky that we train with Sophie most days in the gym - she's an absolute tank - and then getting swimming lessons as well," says Maclennan, formerly Jess Moulds. "Let's just say I wasn't the best.
Kiwi para-athlete Sophie Pascoe motivated by her own legacy
"I was literally drowning a lot of the time, but to be able to push through and get to the end of the pool, and see the improvement each week is very cool and rewarding."
While playing for the Northern Mystics six years ago, defender Maclennan gained a small measure of notoriety when she combined with Anna Harrison to devise the 'Harrison Hoist', where she lifted her team-mate skyward to block opponents' shots.
But in recent seasons, she has struggled with injury, and is returning from ACL reconstruction and 18 months on the side-line.
"It was my first year as captain last year, which was pretty tough, not being able to play and lead on the court," she says.
"When you get that time off court, you realise how much love the sport. For me, it's exciting to be playing again and have that hard work pay off."
Just in case any of their opponents think they can muscle the Tactix around the court this season, they should know the southerners have another useful training partner to learn from - world champion shot putter Tom Walsh.
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