It only felt like yesterday that Bronwyn Blair made her senior debut for Romsey in the Riddell District Netball League.
Stepping straight into the A-grade side as a 15-year-old, Blair has been a regular in the team ever since.
On Saturday, she became the first netballer to play 200 games for the Redbacks.
Speaking before the game, Blair said she was still getting used to the idea that she had reached such a milestone.
“It’s a little weird,” she said.
“It’s been a long time coming to this stage, as I’ve played for 11 years now.
“I’m an early veteran hitting the mark at such a young age.”
Blair said it didn’t feel like 11 years ago that she made her debut.
She started playing when her mother was coach and several of her mother’s friends were playing.
A few players from those early years were at Saturday’s game to watch her celebrate her achievement.
“I’ve played with a fair range of girls, some have stuck around and others have played on and off,” Blair said. “It only feels like yesterday I was a young girl stepping on the court.
“When I started we were struggling to make finals. Over time we’ve developed as a club.”
Blair said the four premierships she’s been part of were among the highlights of her career.
The most recent was last year’s win against Lancefield.
“Most people don’t have the chance to play in any and I’ve played in four,” she said.
“Each premiership is special in its own way. The first couple I played with a group of close girlfriends.
“To come away with premierships with friends is pretty special.”
The Redbacks celebrated a win on Saturday, but did it the hard way, coming from behind against Rockbank.
The Redbacks had a slow start and trailed by three goals at half-time. They showed some of the depth they have in the second half and it paid off.
The inclusion of Hope Evans at half-time helped the Redbacks as they outscored the Rams 30-11 to win 49-33.
Evans, in her first A-grade game for the season, shot 21 goals from 25 attempts.
For Blair, it was a disappointing day, hurting her achilles early in the first quarter and she didn’t return to the court.
The Redbacks sit fifth, but have played one less game than the four sides above them.
In other results, Wallan defeated Diggers Rest 40-32 with Chloe Meulenmeesters shooting 30 goals in the win.
Macedon remains undefeated after a convincing win against Melton Centrals, 49-24. Janelle Birch was best on court.
Rupertswood had a 64-24 win against Broadford, while Riddell proved too strong for Woodend-Hesket, winning 55-40.
