But now, with a new netball season fast approaching, the big event is back.
In its eighth year, more than 500 people are expected to visit Rochester on Saturday to compete across four grades of competition.
Event co-ordinator Katie Rasmussen said everyone behind the event was excited to get it back up and running after a long hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“This year is our first one back,” she said.
“We were one of the first events cancelled last year when COVID hit. We had been all ready to go, but had to pull the pin the week of (the event).
“We’ve essentially had to wait two years.”
With an Open A, Open B, under 17 and under 15 competition on the cards, Rasmussen said the event would be a big boost for the town, both on the netball courts and among the wider community.
“Our little Rochester canteen team, it’s a great fundraising opportunity for them,” she said.
“But it’s not only supporting our club, it is supporting the grass roots of netball.
“Little kids can see the older kids that look they look up to. (Former Australian netballer) Sharelle McMahon has played here, so could the next Australian Diamond be running around this weekend?
“And many of the players visit the local businesses. Anything that brings people to town is a great thing for our town.”
The event will run slightly differently to previous years, with the Open B category added to the draw for the first time, while the day will culminate in its first ever grand final under lights.
There will also be umpire mentors working on the day, with Goulburn Valley League's Leah Saunders organising the mentors to help developing officials.
And with plenty of action expected on court, Rasmussen said the competition would give teams from across Victoria a good chance to tune up ahead of a new season.
“There is a desire to have teams from different leagues come and play,” she said.
“We have teams from six different leagues, and many teams that have come to play in Rochester, they’ve made finals and grand finals in their leagues.
“It's that ability to trial new players, different positions, and to test pre-season fitness.”
Junior play will kick off at 9 am on Saturday, while the open age tournament starts from 2pm. The junior grand finals will start from about 2pm, while the open grand finals will be under lights from 8pm. Supporters can follow along on the MyNetball website.
The invitational is again supported by its naming rights sponsor, Elmore-Lockington-Rochester Community Bank.
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