Dubbo CYMS' newest league tag recruit missed their first game of the season on Saturday, and she'll miss round two as well.
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But Madi Crowe has a good excuse.
The touch football star joined her Australian Emus teammates in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia late on Friday ahead of the 2019 Touch World Cup.
She responded to the Daily Liberal's questions during the long-haul flight.
Get the latest sporting news from Dubbo and the western region here.
"I am sad to be missing the first two games actually," Crowe said.
The 21-year-old is a household name in touch football circles, making her international debut with the Australian Youth team in 2015.
In 2017 she moved up to the open women's side where she has made her mark at link (one in from the wing), and in 2018 she was part of the Newcastle Knights team in the inaugural NRL Touch Premiership.
She's been named again for the Knights in 2019, and her Australian Emus women's side is the favourite to win their ninth straight World Cup this week.
Crowe only moved to Dubbo this year, joining partner and CYMS winger Corey Drew who made the move in 2018.
The tyranny of distance is something she's coming to terms with, but she's determined to not let it affect her playing career.
"Dubbo is great. I really love the country and how everyone here is so lovely," Crowe said.
"It's great there is an airport here but it's not too bad of a drive either to get to weekend trainings.
"To me it's really special to be a country person and to be representing the country, no matter what level I am playing at."
Love is what brought Crowe to Dubbo and it's also love - of a slightly different kind - that is set to keep her here.
She's had a terrific pre-season with CYMS, including an undefeated league tag title at the Parkes 9s tournament, and is determined to help her newest team take flight in 2019.
"I've already made a lot of friends ... The passion for footy is great here," Crowe said.
"The girls have amazing skills and yet so much more potential to give.
"I've seen great improvement from the start of preseason until now and by sharing some of my ideas, the girls show so much respect and enthusiasm to try and learn new things."
To see Crowe in action, tune into Australia's round seven game against Scotland on Thursday.
