The Queensland Firebirds may be within touching distance of one of the biggest games of their careers, but they remain busy juggling careers with the sport they love.
The Firebirds, last year's premiers, have enjoyed a stellar season and face the Southern Steel on Sunday in the semi-final of the national netball championships.
The players train like professionals, but the money does not necessarily match the effort — the minimum wage is $13,500 per year.
But a netballer who represents Australia earns an average $50,000 yearly wage.
Romelda Aiken, one of the best players in the country and the Firebirds' star goal shooter, has recently taken up a coaching role at the University of Queensland.
"It's really exciting I'm learning as I go," she said.
"It's just how much I can give back and I know the girls take a lot on board and they just want to learn more every day."
Wing attack Caitlyn Nevins, 29, has balanced worked her day job as a podiatrist and trained with the squad during the season.
"Yesterday I trained in the morning and worked, and then trained in the evening. So I left home at 5:20am and then I didn't get home in the evening until 7:30pm," Nevins said.
Firebirds coach Rosalee Jenke said every player had to work separate jobs.
"Even the top-line players would be doing something to add to their income," she said.
But that could change over the next few years.
With an eight-team, Australian-based competition to launch next season, games will be broadcast on free-to-air television
It is hoped that will mean more money for the players.
Nevins is looking forward to the day the game becomes professional.
"Netball's always been quite supportive of education and I hope they continue supporting education and a career away from the sport," she said.
