Tait Mackrill is making the most of a tough situation.

No one likes getting injured, especially when it’s season ending. Unfortunately, that was the case for Tait though just two games into season seven.

Sent for a precautionary scan, it came back a worst-case scenario, which was a bit of a shock for all.

Mackrill was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her foot and given a recovery time of 4-6 months.

“I have only just processed it now – a week after,” said Mackrill.

“It’s pretty devastating – and to only getting two games in. It’s been a hard reality to come to terms with but the show goes on and I just attack my rehab the same as I would have attacked my season if I was playing.”

After working through the emotions that come with any injury or news, Mackrill made a shift in her thinking and approach to the remainder of the season.

“I think if you just sit there and grieve and feel sorry for yourself – and that’s fine to do, however long you need is fine – but it’s so important to flick the switch and see it as an opportunity,” she said.

“For me, I’ve made the decision to use the opportunity to grow myself as a player and get gains that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to get in preparation for next year.

“Keep expanding my knowledge of the game and trying to help out the girls as much as I can.”

Her unofficial, official role will come in preparing the team each week in offering Tait’s Tip during the weekly review session.

“I was in at the club picking up my scooter and I messaged Georgia Walker [Backline Coach] and asked if she wanted to have lunch and she said she was about to start the ‘oppo meeting but did I want to join,” shares Mackrill.

“I went in and watched the footage with the coaches and I said, you know I still really want to be involved and keep developing as a player but also from the coaching side of things if there is scope.”

Mackrill is no stranger to coaching, have coached In an array of leagues and competitions since moving to Sydney from South Australia.

Most recently the 23-year-old has been the assistant coach for UTS in the Women’s Premier League competition and just did a season as the Head Coach for the Marouba U’18s.

Self-described as ‘dabbling’ in coaching to date, it’s an area of sport Mackrill is keen remain open to and involved with.