Sport
28 June, 2024
Game 400 for Nicole
NOT too many netballers get to enjoy their 400th game – but for Port Fairy’s Nicole Dwyer, reaching the milestone was made even more special last weekend.
Dwyer, who lined up for her 400th in the purple and gold on Saturday, was thrilled to be able to share her day with not only her division one team-mates but also friends and family – including her partner Dean Dwyer, daughters Lexie and Bronte, and her proud parents Bev and Anthony Bourke.
“It was extra special to have my family courtside for the day, I was truly spoilt by both the league and the club and to come home with a win just put the icing on the cake,” Dwyer said.
“Netball (and the club) is a big part of my life and has been for many years. Mum is a life member and to now see my daughters enjoying the game just as much as I do is pretty special as well.
“I had a four-year break from the game after the COVID outbreak cancelled the 2020 Hampden League season but I realised how much I missed it – and now I’m so pleased I’m back out on the court this season.”
Dwyer’s involvement in the sport began when, as a 10 year-old, she first started playing in the under 15s at Bessiebelle in the South West Football Netball League under coach Kaye Sullivan.
By the time she was 15, Dwyer was playing in the club’s A grade side where she won several best and fairest awards at both club and league level.
When Bessiebelle went into recess, Dwyer joined Hamilton Imperials in the Western Border League while studying at Monivae College.
She moved to Melbourne in 1996 for study and work and quickly earnt a position in the state league competition.
With mum Bev coaching at Heywood, she also returned home each weekend to play with the club.
“We won an A grade premiershp at Heywood in 1997 and became the first Victorian club to win a Western Border A grade premiership which was pretty special,” Dwyer said.
When Bev was appointed senior coach at the Seagulls in 1998, Nicole followed her mum to the club – and hasn’t looked back since.
“The Seagulls is an amazing club to be a part of. I truly believe that if a town provides you with somewhere to live, a job and a sense of community then you need to give something back,” Dwyer said.
And that’s exactly what she has now done for more than 25 years.
Among her many premierships, best and fairest accolades and numerous other personal and team awards, Dwyer’s role both on and off the court with the Seagulls is long and impressive.
She has been a committee member, netball sub-committee member, past netball coordinator, coach, volunteer coordinator and more.
She said the laughs she’s had and friendships made over the years is a positive reflection of the time she has spent in netball.
Having the opportunity to play with her sister Sharni and be coached by her mum; and now to replicate that with her own daughters, Lexie and Bronte, is an experience she treasures.
She prides herself on her dedication, development, commitment and loyalty to the club.
“I’m very grateful to the various netball coaches who have given their time to coach me over my entire career,” she said.
“I’ve learnt something from every one of them and I’m still learning and tweaking my game to this day – you’re never too old to learn.”
Last Saturday’s 400th game was celebrated with a banner, flowers and a special presentation from the Hampden League to mark the milestone.
“I was totally spoilt and it was a very special day,” Dwyer said.
“The club also presented me with the game ball later that night.”
With the celebrations now over, Dwyer is turning her attention to the rest of the season – and her side’s goal of bringing home a flag for the Seagulls.
The team currently sits second on the division one ladder, just a game behind leaders Hamilton and a game and a half clear of Koroit.
“To bring home a premiership in September would just cap off what’s already been an extra special season,” she said.
