DONNA Carey is the versatile player every coach needs – she will play wherever she is needed on court.

This weekend, she is part of a new-look Warwick open netball team competing in the Country Carnival at Graceville.

Carey first played netball as a seven-year-old in Warwick but didn’t go on to open competition.

After not playing for 12 years, she returned to town six years ago to play club netball at WIRAC.

Carey reckons her own fitness is up to scratch as she plays two games of netball, one hockey and one basketball match each week.

And it is the same with the rest of the team. The majority play B or C-grade netball on a Monday night and A-grade each Tuesday which is good for fitness and playing numbers in the association.

Carey now has an added interest in open netball, with daughter Ayden also playing.

“Aidyn is as tall as I am and like all her friends wants to grow up to be like (Diamonds player) Laura Geitz,” she said.

Carey will play a lot of the weekend at goal keeper alongside captain and regular goal defence Helena Fraser.

“I just play wherever I am needed, I could also get a chance at goal shooter,” she said.

What Carey is most looking forward to this weekend is playing in the same team as the young guns.

Carey has played very little netball with team members Jessica Carey, Katie and Lucy Fenton and Kayla Hausfeld.

Steph O’Brien has played for Queensland teams through the age groups and for the Darling Downs Panthers and was part of the Warwick open team for the first time this season last Sunday at Gatton.

“The agility of Steph at goal attack and her combination with her sister Jessica (shooter) and centre court pair Katie Fenton and Angela Mann boosts our chances.

“We have the potential to finish in the top three,” Carey said.

Lisa Fitzgerald is coach and Mandy Creed manager.