By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE Football Netball Club’s annual get-together of past players and officials held on Saturday 17 July coincided with the first match played on the newly constructed netball courts.
Rob Nolan, organising committee member, along with Gary Adams and Andrew Peters, said the construction of the netball courts was another milestone for the club.
The Don Road Sporting Complex was a hub of activity on the day, with soccer, netball and football played within sight of each other, adding to the atmosphere for players and spectators of all three codes.
Mr Nolan said around 70 former players were on deck to reminisce and celebrate past victories, including the 1920 senior grand final win against Lilydale, the 1950 reserves grand final against old rivals Yarra Glen and the under 17s 1970 and 1980 premierships of the ‘modern’ era.
“Another special moment for the club came when president Kym Escourt, our first female president in the history of the club, announced a new life member in Tom Ayres,” Mr Nolan said.
Mr Ayres, who was at the ground, will be officially installed as a life member later in the year.
His career with the club spanned from 1945 to 1964 and he played in more than 300 senior games, including premierships.
“There were lots of stories swapped over lunch and there were many good memories of past exploits and games won,” Mr Nolan said.
“While there was no real joy on the ground, the club is looking ahead, confident our coach is steering the boys in the right direction.”
Mr Nolan said it was good for the club’s younger players to meet former players who were part of the club’s fabric to form a sense of pride and history in the club.
“It’s good for them to know they are following in the footsteps of people who have gone before them,” he said.
