The Newbridge Netball Club, a prominent AFL club in the Loddon Shire, has a fascinating history that dates all the way back to 1946. Back in those early days, the netball team would travel alongside the football side in Alex Smith's cattle truck, playing matches before the football games. The team was made up of talented players such as the Twigg girls, Elvie Davies, Jean Cox, Jean Wicker, Betty Nancarrow, Dorry Rivvitt, and Dulcie Cox. Their training routine consisted of running three laps around the football oval once a week, and the court was marked on the ground near the old change rooms.
After a brief disbandment in 1950, the Newbridge Netball Club reformed the following year with the girls donning knee-length green tunics paired with white blouses. They even engaged in practice matches against former players, which often left them with sore muscles. Marg Heitmann took on the umpiring duties during the late 1950s and early 60s. In the 1960s, the team switched back to maroon skirts and white blouses and played on courts marked out with pipe clay. They had three courts marked with moveable goal posts.
In 1963, the Newbridge Netball Club became a part of the LVNA Junior Competition and achieved the impressive feat of being runners-up in 1966 and winning the Premiership in 1967. To mark the occasion, the girls were proud to wear their new club uniforms, featuring permanently pleated skirts for the finals. That year, the first netball court was asphalted. Jean Douglas, a dedicated member, umpired and coached for many years. Isobel Hamilton, the coach of the 1967 Juniors, even had to join the team herself after the Harris girls were sidelined with an injury. Despite the setback, the team fought on and emerged victorious, winning the Premiership, which remains their only senior flag since its formation. The team comprised of Marj Metelmann as Captain, Carmel Holland, Pam and Gail Harris, Gwen Davies, Gwen McCartney (Coach), Isobel Hamilton, and emergencies Yvonne Stewart and Jenny Freeman.
Gwen Davies continued to shine in 1969, winning Best and Fairest in the Inter-League game at Sea Lake. Marj Metelmann claimed the league's goal shooting title, with Carmel Holland as the runner-up. In 1971, the court was fenced with chain wire, and the LVNA introduced A & B Grade competitions. The following year, a C Grade was added. Newbridge's second netball court replaced the previous lawn court by being sealed in 1971.
The year 1974 marked a triumphant period for the Newbridge Netball Club. The B Grade team secured the Premiership, while the C Grade team were runners-up by just one goal after extra time. Additionally, the Juniors emerged victorious in their category. The B Grade team was a formidable lineup consisting of Christina Lapidge, Jenni Sharp, Carly Malone, Jeanette Graham, Susy Steel (Captain), Virginia Somerville, and Verna Bell. In a special turn of events, 11-year-old Kaye Hamilton played her first game in Juniors alongside Julie Douglas, Leanne Sharp, Lynette Stewart, Christine Price, Kim Lumber, and Judith Nixon.
Over the years, the Newbridge Netball Club has garnered numerous successes. The C Grade team became Premiers in 1988, followed by the B Grade team in 1998 and the C Grade team again in 2000. In 1997, the A Grade team made it to the finals for the first time since 1968 but was ultimately defeated in the Preliminary Final. In 2007, the A Grade team finished as Runners-Up, and the B Grade team claimed the same title in 2008. However, the 17 & Under team emerged triumphant as Premiers in both 2008 and 2009. In 2010, both the C Grade and an unstoppable 17 & Under team were crowned as Premiers.
The Newbridge Netball Club has also produced exceptional players who have been recognised for their extraordinary talent and sportsmanship. Some notable past winners of the LVNA Best and Fairest include Pat McNamara and Jeanette Ford in 1960 (Seniors), Judy Steel in 1969 (Junior), Beth Douglas in 1973 (B Grade), Robin Malone in 1974 (C Grade), Leanne Sharp and Julie Douglas in 1975 (Juniors), Kaye Hamilton in 1977 (Juniors), Helen Punton in 1986 (B Grade), Corrina Comer in 1986 (C Grade), Debbie Comer in 1987 (B Grade), Vicki Lakey in 1987 (Juniors), and Andrea Brooks in 1987 (A Grade).
The Newbridge Netball Club is not just an AFL club with a rich history; it's a community of talented players who have left their mark on the sport and continue to strive for greatness. Step into the world of the Newbridge Netball Club and be a part of their incredible journey.
