FORMER South Australian state league netballer Shelley Ryan has made a smooth transistion back to the court.

Work commitments in restaurant management, including working for UK chef Jamie Oliver, have kept Ryan from playing netball.

But a new job in Melbourne and a move to Torquay freed up time for the 34-year-old to join the Dolphins this season.

Ryan, who played her junior netball in South Australia’s Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League, played state league with the Newton Jaguars.

She said returning to the court after 11 years on the sidelines with work and travel commitments had been enjoyable.

“I’m running out full games at centre and initially the body rebelled against it especially considering I’ve had a knee reco and ankle problems,” she said.

“But the body is holding up well and I’m enjoying playing with the younger girls, I played my first game of senior netball when I was 14 so it’s nice to have them next to me.”

The experienced midcourter said she hoped to help out good friend and Lorne coach Carly Enticott.

“I’m still new to the team and I hope that just leading by example and training hard and having that accountability filters through,” she said.

“Hopefully I can bring my leadership to the club.”

Sixth-placed Lorne has two wins from four games and takes on Alvie at Alvie Recreation Reserve this weekend.

Ryan said the team hoped to build a winning culture with new players this season.

“Certainly we aim to be more than competitive, we aim to be able to get some solid wins on the board this year,” she said.

“Coming out of retirement has been the greatest thing for me; I just love getting out there.

“I’m loving being back down on the surf coast and I’m loving the sense of community that you get from a country footy club.”