Life Member Stories
Michelle Keats
I was in Grade 6 in 1974 playing in the school team when a Life Member who was associated with my school, Val Hawkins, approached me to fill a position in a team that was one short. I remember the first presentation night I went to in the late 70's at FTG Masonic Hall, it was smaller than one third of a netball court.
Before moving to Knox Regional Netball Centre we played at other clubs “home grounds”. Sassafras was one and was always freezing in the winter. Parents would take turns in transporting teams to their games and most grounds were very uneven. Over the years there have been changes to the uniforms, facilities, rules and even the position names. 1st Defence, 2nd Defence, Defence Wing, Centre, Attack Wing, 2nd Goaler and 1st Goaler were the position names when I started.
The traffic jams at the end of games have not changed, nor the need for volunteers. The saying “many hands make light work” rings true. This was especially important when our presentation venue was double booked a couple of years back. I’ve always enjoyed presentation night, for those who just come to their games it gives the community an opportunity to see how large the club is. And it provides younger players inspiration when seeing the older players.
I was a player for 40 years, as well as a team manager and occasionally a coach for my daughter Gabrielle’s team. These days you’ll find me scoring for A Grade and A Reserve. I quite enjoy scoring, you always get a seat in a crowded stadium and have a clear view of the court and umpires. I admire those who take up umpiring. I tried for one game, heard spectators whinging about my decisions... that put me off umpiring for life! I would come down on a Saturday without even looking at the calendar. On more than one occasion, I would turn into Dempster Street and be faced with big closed bolted gates! My proudest moment was being awarded my Life Membership. Gully has shaped my life and left my husband asking "Is there netball?" every weekend.
Before moving to Knox Regional Netball Centre we played at other clubs “home grounds”. Sassafras was one and was always freezing in the winter. Parents would take turns in transporting teams to their games and most grounds were very uneven. Over the years there have been changes to the uniforms, facilities, rules and even the position names. 1st Defence, 2nd Defence, Defence Wing, Centre, Attack Wing, 2nd Goaler and 1st Goaler were the position names when I started.
The traffic jams at the end of games have not changed, nor the need for volunteers. The saying “many hands make light work” rings true. This was especially important when our presentation venue was double booked a couple of years back. I’ve always enjoyed presentation night, for those who just come to their games it gives the community an opportunity to see how large the club is. And it provides younger players inspiration when seeing the older players.
I was a player for 40 years, as well as a team manager and occasionally a coach for my daughter Gabrielle’s team. These days you’ll find me scoring for A Grade and A Reserve. I quite enjoy scoring, you always get a seat in a crowded stadium and have a clear view of the court and umpires. I admire those who take up umpiring. I tried for one game, heard spectators whinging about my decisions... that put me off umpiring for life! I would come down on a Saturday without even looking at the calendar. On more than one occasion, I would turn into Dempster Street and be faced with big closed bolted gates! My proudest moment was being awarded my Life Membership. Gully has shaped my life and left my husband asking "Is there netball?" every weekend.