Peta Lawrence named Gunnedah women's 7s' best and fairest for second time

But this season she found herself taking on a more prominent role not only in an attacking capacity, but in the general organisation of the side.

With an influx of new young players and the departure of some of their more seasoned players like captain Sarah Stewart, as one of the remaining 'originals', Lawrence had to "step up a little bit more" and assume more of a leadership role in the team.

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"She (Stewart) was out and was normally the one on the field doing the talking and organising," she said.

"Without her we were missing something, missing that talk."

Lawrence enjoyed being more involved in that aspect and also helping the new players navigate their way through learning a new game.

Only a few years ago she was in their shoes.

"I knew exactly how they were feeling," she said.

In previous seasons playing predominantly as an outside centre and forming a lethal combination with winger Fiona Laurie, Lawrence also found herself playing more in the middle.

"Because we were missing that central experience, John (coach John Hickey) moved me," she said.

Lawrence quite enjoyed the change in roles. She was "in the action a lot more".

She was one of the Red Devils best over the season and duly recognised with the best and fairest award at the recent presentation.

"That was a little bit exciting," she said.

It's the second time Lawrence has won the award. She shared it with Laurie in the Red Devils' inaugural year.

She was also adjudged to be their best attacker.

Originally from Scone, the 27-year-old said she was playing oztag when Stewart and Nicole Carlyon approached her about joining the rugby side they were looking to start up.

She had always been "quite sporty". Netball, softball, basketball, touch, oztag - you name it, she's probably played it at some stage.

"I didn't really know anybody in town but I thought it was a good way to make some new friends and meet people," Lawrence said.

She had the footy background from her oztag and touch days, but the tackling concept was all new.

"I was a bit hesitant with the whole tackling thing," she admitted.

But she decided to give it a crack.

She's glad she did. Four seasons on she is still loving it.

She hasn't committed to going around with the Red Devils again next season but said "most likely" she will be.

"I love the game and I love the girls on the team," she said.

Haylee Murrell picked up the players' player and Emmy Barr the best defender award while Laurie was their highest pointscorer.

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