Canberra United player and AFWL prospect Catherine Brown took her first steps towards a W-League comeback after a triumphant return from a major knee injury on Saturday.
Brown returned "the old school way" and played 30 minutes for Belconnen United reserve grade in 4-0 victory against Tuggeranong United.
The 23-year-old was back on the park nine months after shattering her kneecap at the GWS Giants combine and admitted she was nervous in the opening exchanges.
"I dislocated my knee and tore ligaments at the Giants while trialling for AFLW and the day before Canberra United preseason started, so it's been a long nine months getting back," Brown said.
"The first five minutes or so I was probably a bit more hesitant than I would have hoped but it came pretty quickly and once you get a few touches it all slots back into place. Hopefully we can build on another 30 minutes next week and we'll be flying."
Brown is hoping to catch the attention of the newly appointed Canberra United coach Heather Garriock and return to the Australian women's top flight next season.
"I haven't spoken to Heather yet but I was pleased to hear about her appointment and I'm looking forward to working with her if she'll have me next season," Brown said.
"The plan is work back to full fitness and break back into the United side. There's still a lot of hard work to get back to 90 minutes on the park but I'm confident I can do it and hopefully it all falls into place."
Belconnen coach Katrina Neuss praised Brown's professionalism and said the defender proved a huge a addition to her line up.
"She went really well, she was very strong on the ball and tackled hard and put a beautiful ball through for one of our goals, it was like she'd never had a rest," Nuess said.
"Her technique is just perfect for someone who has been out for so long, it was great to watch."
In NPL Capital Football action Woden Weston secured its first win of the season after thumping Monaro 5-0, Gungahlin United down the Riverina Rhinos 3-0 and the Centre of Excellence fought back for a 3-3 draw with Canberra FC.
AT A GLANCE
Woden Weston 5 bt Monaro Panthers 0
Canberra FC 3 drew Centre of Excellence 3
Gungahlin United 3 bt Riverina Rhinos 0
Sunday: Tuggeranong United v Canberra Olympic at Greenway Enclosed at 3pm; Cooma Tigers v Belconnen United at Nijong Oval at 3pm.
