Longwood C Reserve netballers might have gone down to Undera on the weekend, but there was a true club winner on hand to celebrate a milestone reached by few and savoured by those who get there.
Carly Murphy played her 250th game for Longwood, the club she calls home and for which she has become a mainstay inspiring the younger players as a mentor, among other things.
Former team mate Stacey Reid said Carly had been an excellent contributor to the club over the years.
"She's been a player, a coach, and a referee," Stacey said.
"She is always doing something to help the club and encouraging the younger players.
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"But she is also very humble about herself and was quietly thankful for Sunday's celebration before the game."
Carly accrued the 250 games across fifteen seasons that had a few breaks in between and has no immediate plans to hang up the skirt.
“I can’t answer that question,” Carly said.
“When my body gives up, I suppose; my husband says if I stop, my body will fall apart.
“But at the age of 47, I think that I will just keep going for now.”
Although she recognises that she has contributed much to the club, she remains modest about it all, preferring to reflect on having enjoyed the time she has put in.
She joined Longwood in 2010 after she and husband Damian moved to Euroa.
“It’s a very friendly club, very family orientated.”
And one promise she cashed in on was from best mate Stacey.
“Stacey retired from higher grades and promised she would play just one more season with me in C Reserve.
“I had to remind her, but she wanted to retire.”
Stacey said one of Carly's biggest contributions involved junior players.
"Carly has been a mentor for them for years - she started our junior program eight years ago," she said.
Carly has also over the years filled in for many off-court roles when the need arose.
"She just jumps in," Stacey said.
"She has filled in every role when it's needed, so when the secretary's position was empty, she would jump in; or team manager, committee member, anything."
Known for setting up at the start of the day, packing up at the end, or transporting equipment and products, Carly makes sure no one misses out.
"There is nothing she would not do to make sure it all goes smoothly," Stacey said.
"She makes everyone feel great."
And as for that promise of a shared season?
Stacey sure is a best mate.
“She said ‘you promised me’, so I kept that promise; I gave her that one season playing together last year.”
