Netball History

1931–1993

The following history is drawn from the Avoca Football Netball Club History Book, published in 1993. Records reflect information available up to that time. Post-1993 history will be added in the future.

Early Beginnings: 1927–1931

The first recorded netball (then known as basketball) match played in the Avoca district took place in 1927 on the Avoca School ground, when Avoca faced Amphitheatre. Avoca won convincingly, 11 goals to 5.

The team was coached by Miss B. Main, with Dulcie Howell as captain and Dora Bevan as vice-captain. Players included Bessie Astbury, Jean Powers, Nellie Evans, Marjorie Armstrong, Loran Humphrey and Dulcie Evans.

In 1931, the Avoca Basketball Association was officially formed.

First Office Bearers (1931)

• President: Miss Vic McDonald

• Vice-President: Miss K. Summers

• Secretary: Miss Elma Brown

• Treasurer: Miss Dora Bevan

Committee members included Jean McDonald, Cath Williams, Elizabeth and Lilian Redpath, Essie Wolfe, Sheila Courtney and Pat Courtney.

Players had to be at least 13 years old, and membership cost one shilling and sixpence.

Matches were played between teams known as Red, Blue, Orange and Green, and at season’s end Avoca Schoolgirls defeated Rathscar 19–15.

Growing Competition and Early Success: 1932–1938

In 1932, team captains were:

• Red: Elva Humphrey

• Blue: Dora Bevan

• Orange: Jean McDonald

• Green: Elma Brown

Elma Brown served as Club Captain, with Elva Humphrey as Vice-Captain, and both were selectors alongside Miss Dorothy Dawson.

One of the standout matches of the era came when Maryborough visited Avoca — the home side dominated, winning 40–8.

That season culminated in a dramatic finals series. Red and Orange played to a 14–14 draw, requiring multiple extra quarters. Orange eventually prevailed, but as minor premiers, Red earned the right to challenge in a Grand Final the following week — and triumphed 25–20.

The celebrations included a picnic at the slate quarry at the foot of the Pyrenees.

A photograph discovered in 2020 shows an Avoca Basketball team believed to be premiers sometime between 1934 and 1938, featuring players including Hazel French, Em Ross, Alma Morris, Flora Dawson, Alice Field, Lilian Redpath, Elma Brown and Irene Redpath.

The Lexton League Era Begins

The birth of netball in the Lexton League is credited largely to the late Ray Bibby. Following a proposal at a Lexton Football League meeting, Avoca held a public meeting in the Shire Hall that attracted more than 30 people. Support was overwhelming.

The Avoca Basketball Club was formed in conjunction with the Football Social Committee. Membership cost ten shillings ($1).

The football club funded the construction of an earthen court at the southern end of the Public Park, while Mr H. Everett of the Victoria Hotel donated the nets and a ball.

First Lexton League Office Bearers

• President: Mrs Frank Jolly

• Secretary: Mrs D. Williams

• Treasurer: Mrs E. Robson

The first captain was Ena Harrison, while Mrs Norma Forrest served as Coach and Umpire, bringing experience from playing in both New Zealand and Australia.

Establishing the Club: Late 1950s–Early 1960s

Avoca finished third in its first season, winning a semi-final before being defeated by Waubra in the preliminary final.

1958 proved difficult, with Avoca finishing seventh on the ladder. However, the early 1960s marked a turning point. Under the leadership of Wendy Scott (President), Merle Streeter (Secretary) and Maureen Jolly (Treasurer), the club steadily improved.

Best & Fairest winners during this period included Wendy Scott, Merle Streeter, and Elaine Wardlaw in the Reserves.

Breaking Through: 1964–1966

Avoca reached the finals in 1964 for the first time, finishing third. Although defeated by Moonambel, the club’s momentum was undeniable.

Across these seasons:

• Janet Scott dominated senior Best & Fairest awards

• Barbara Jolly, Judith Howell and Sue Winzer featured prominently in lower grades

Despite strong performances, finals success remained elusive — until 1967.

A Landmark Year: 1967 Premiership

In 1967, Avoca finished top of the ladder and went on to defeat Moonambel in the second semi-final before winning a thrilling Grand Final against Natte-Bealiba 24–19.

This was Avoca’s first premiership, a moment that secured a permanent place in club history.

1967 Office Bearers

• President: Gwen Streeter

• Vice-President: Barbara Jolly

• Secretary: Kath Blair

• Treasurer: Merle Streeter

The Perfect Season: 1968

1968 stands as one of the most extraordinary years in the club’s history.

All four teams finished top of the ladder — and all four won premierships.

1968 Grand Final Results

• Seniors: Avoca 23 def. Natte-Bealiba 19

• Reserves: Avoca 31 def. Natte-Bealiba 13

• Thirds: Avoca 16 def. Natte-Bealiba 5

• Fourths: Avoca 8 def. Amphitheatre 3

The club was coached by Col Fisher (Seniors & Reserves), Doreen Hunter (Thirds), and Kath Verlin (Fourths).

Individual awards flowed freely in what remains the club’s most celebrated season.

Sustained Excellence: 1969–1992

From 1968 onwards, Avoca’s netball record became truly remarkable.

By 1992:

• Seniors:

  • 20 finals appearances

  • 9 premierships

  • 5 consecutive premierships (1986–1990)

• Reserves:

  • 20 finals appearances

  • 7 premierships

• Under 17s:

  • 26 finals

  • 9 premierships

  • 14 consecutive finals appearances

• Under 14s:

  • 23 finals in 25 years

  • 14 premierships

Club Legends and Life Members

Across decades, countless players, coaches and officials shaped the club. Among the most influential were:

• Wendy (Scott) Robertson – President, Secretary, four-time Senior Best & Fairest, Life Member

• Merle (Streeter) Gothard – President, long-serving Secretary, premiership coach, Life Member

• Doreen Hunter – Coach, umpire and administrator for over 30 years, Life Member

• Loralee Field – Treasurer, administrator, Life Member

• Christine Hunter – Player, President, Secretary, coach and tireless committee member

Record-Breakers and Outstanding Players

The club has produced exceptional talent, including:

• Leah Harris – multiple Association and Club Best & Fairest awards

• Colleen Harris – prolific goal shooter, over 2,600 senior goals

• Maree Jess – three-time Senior Best & Fairest

• Carol & Gaylene Lobb, Leanne & Janelle Gaylard, Joanne (Driscoll) Jess, Mary Constable, Hayley Farnsworth, Loralee & Glenda Evans, and many more

Extraordinary performances — including record goal tallies and dominant premiership runs — became hallmarks of Avoca netball.

A Proud Legacy

By 1993, Avoca’s netball program stood as one of the strongest and most respected in the region. Generations of players, families and volunteers built a culture of commitment, excellence and community pride.

With names such as Evans, Farnsworth, Gothard and Robertson continuing to emerge through the ranks, the future looked bright — though the standards set by those who came before would always be formidable.

This is a history the club can be enormously proud of — and one for which we remain deeply grateful.