Seeking to juggle cricket and AFLW careers, Jodie Hicks didn't need to leave home this summer to consult two authoritative mentors in Ellyse Perry and Sara McGlashan.
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Sydney's Drummoyne Oval, scene of the recent WBBL final that attracted a sold-out crowd of 5,368, will host Friday night's AFLW clash between GWS and North Melbourne.
Nobody will ride the momentum shifts in both matches as much as Hicks, who also calls the venue home at grade cricket level.
The 22-year-old was part of the Sydney Sixers' title-winning side in 2017 and more recently called into their squad for the final, while she has been part of the Giants since the 2017 draft.
"At times it's pretty hard but with both teams having a really good group of girls and support staff, it's made trying to juggle both a lot easier," Hicks told AAP.
"It's easy for me to switch off and go from one to the other. I've put myself in better shape this year to do both.
"Both are exciting and enjoyable sports. I really love playing both, I wouldn't want to change it.
"The time will come when it does change ... because both are full-time professional sports and it'd be unfair if I was missing too much of one sport's training."
Housemates Perry and McGlashan, who both represented their country in soccer before focusing on cricket, have been among Hicks' sounding boards.
"I was fortunate to live with Ellyse and Sara this summer," Hicks said.
"They've both been in similar situations. Both good mentors and probably the ones I speak to the most if I'm having a bit of trouble with anything or have a question.
"I take on board advice from everyone in both sports ... it's good that everyone is open to it."
McGlashan has returned home to New Zealand but Perry is likely to be in the crowd on Friday night, a day before hunting a record 20th one-day title for NSW at North Sydney Oval.
"A couple of the Sixers will be there. They've got the WNCL final the next day so I don't know how long they'll stay," Hicks said.
"Some of the Sixers' coaching staff will come down.
"The two clubs love watching each other play.
"Alyssa Healy and Mitch Starc are ambassadors for the Giants. I know they really enjoy watching footy, whether it's men's or women's."
Australian Associated Press
