EVERY WEEK new Mailors Flat recruit Shae De Francesco arrives at cricket she will be surrounded by at least one member of her family.
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The 16-year-old, who splits her time playing cricket, football, netball and volleyball, will have her father, Deca Bradbury, with her for the long trips from Mortlake.
Once at the club her cousins April, who is Mailors Flat's president, and Phillip Edwards along with their father Steven will help the budding sports star settle into her new environment.
Another bonus for De Francesco, who is doing a school-based dairy farmer apprenticeship at Mortlake College, is the hours she will rack up on her learners.
"Dad's probably putting his life a little bit in danger," she joked about the pair's upcoming road trips.
"But I'm sure he is happy with me and my driving so I'll be happy as well."
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This season the right-arm medium pace bowler aims to add a Grassmere Cricket Association division one debut to her collection of sporting achievements and hopes to play consistently alongside her dad.
"Hopefully he will be getting a few games," she said.
"I'm not sure how he feels about playing division one but I think he will be up for challenge."
De Francesco said she wouldn't take a backward step facing men in a new environment.
"I'm up for the challenge and very excited to be given the opportunity and to get the coaching I am and have previously gotten with Mortlake," she said.
The Terang Mortlake footballer and Woorndoo Mortlake netballer said Jets captain-coach Lachie Boyle had given some handy guidance ahead of the season.
"He has told me to be confident as I lack a bit of confidence being around and more involved with men and I'll probably doubt myself a little bit," she said.
"I just need to pick my confidence up and keep working on my skills as much as possible."
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