It’s a welcome sight at ACT Meteors training to see the familiar face of Zoe Cooke.
She has returned to Canberra after a one-year stint with Queensland in the Women’s National Cricket League, having previously played for the Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League.
A return to Canberra was always on the cards for Zoe, it was just a matter of when.
The move was all about gaining new insights and experiences.
“I always had the idea that I'd come back whether it was one year, five years or ten years, but it was just about different coaches and different setup,” she said.
“All the players have different ways of doing things, so it was about getting out of the same building that I've been in for six or seven years to get new ideas.”
The year away has provided Zoe with a new perspective, particularly from the mental side of the game.
“Being able to play alongside more experienced players, obviously Australian players or people who've gone overseas and played, and just the mental side of a completely new team, a new setup, and not knowing if I was going to play,” she said.
“Round One came around and I was playing, and I was like, ‘Oh, I wasn't preparing for this’.
“It was just that completely different mental side of it; I'm not comfortable here because I haven't been here for six or seven years.”
While the weather might be warmer in the sunshine state, Zoe said it was good to be home.
“It's really good to be back,” she said.
“It felt like I was a piece of the furniture again straight away; so it's been really fun.
“It’s obviously a new group with five or six girls I haven't played with, but the rest are still the same and it's the same loud young crew.”
Zoe is currently finding her place again in a new group. Prior to her departure to Queensland she had taken on a senior player role, helping out, giving tips and coaching a little.
It’s a role she is keen to resume as she builds the trust of a new playing group.
A discussion around coaching brings a wide smile to Zoe’s face and it’s clear this is the direction she is headed when it comes time to hang up the bat.
“I love coaching; that's the next step.”
As the Meteors continue preparations for the 2024/25 season, with a WNCL competition that extends beyond the One-Day format to a new T20 series as well, Zoe is keen to contribute in all areas of the game on home turf.
“I'm comfortable here,” Zoe said.
“I played all my underage cricket in ACT, so it’s home, and I always wanted to give back to Cricket ACT and the community.
“So (it’s about) coming back, giving back, hopefully on the field, but probably more so off the field is the bigger one…hopefully playing some good cricket along the way and going out on a high here where I started.”
Listen to our full interview with Zoe Cooke below.