By JARROD POTTER
EVERYTHING about Bianca Jakobsson’s first football match this season was a new experience.
Jakobsson, 21, from Skye, returned from a knee reconstruction she suffered last year playing for Berwick.
Returning to the field last weekend, this time in a Cranbourne jumper, Jakobsson was relieved to cross the white line and not be stuck behind it watching her team mates as she had for the last 10 months.
“Felt good to get back out there – watching the girls from the sidelines gets a bit frustrating,” Jakobsson said.
“It was good to get back out there and good to get a win as well.
“It was a great feeling after a long time out and lots of rehab so it was good to get back.”
In her first match back against Darebin last week – Jakobsson’s first quarter was a blur of trying to get a touch but also avoiding any tackles or contact that might re-damage her knee.
The pivotal moment came when she was tackled in the second quarter.
She stood back up, her knee held firm and her confidence bloomed.
“I was a bit nervous until I was in that first tackle,” Jakobsson said.
“I felt my confidence go up a lot after that.
“I was a bit iffy to get that first one but once that happened and I was alright I felt that I could do this.
“Pretty much most of the game my confidence was right up and was able to attack the ball like I usually do.”
Her five-goal haul capped off a stellar return, not only to VWFL footy after injury, but to the Cranbourne Women’s Football Club after playing juniors through the team before heading to the now defunct Berwick Women’s Football Club.
“It’s like the old times,” Jakobsson said.
“We’ve had a lot of success here as a club and it’s a great atmosphere and well supported so it’s great to be back.”
Melbourne Football Club remained positive about Jakobsson’s future after she was unable to keep her spot on the Demons list for the upcoming Women’s AFL match at Etihad Stadium on 29 June.
“I didn’t play or anything and I wasn’t going to nominate again, because of my knee, so I’ve given it this year to get back into my game and play the footy that I can and try again next year,” Jakobsson said.
“Melbourne encouraged me to nominate again and I told them the situation and I wanted to focus on club footy and get the knee right first.”
Jakobsson’s Eagles knocked off Melbourne Uni by six points on Sunday.
