Kelly Hill has drummed up quite the CV during her two decades of playing senior netball in Goulburn Valley League.
The former Shepparton United star and Euroa stalwart has multiple premierships, a stack of club best-and-fairests, interleague representation and a league gong to show for her extraordinary contribution and sublime skill on the court.
With an extensive list like that it’s no wonder she was honoured with life membership 2015.
And ahead of game 300 in the GVL, Hill (nee McIntyre) had a chance to reflect on her achievements in a sport she so dearly loves.
Although the premiership medals are remembered fondly and “clear to this day” the current B-grade defender highlighted her time as Euroa’s A-grade coach as her most cherished achievement.
“I went on to coach Euroa in 2010 and we really struggled at the start. We had been on the bottom for a while and we just didn’t have the numbers,” Hill said.
“But we managed to turn things around, brought in some people from outside of Euroa with us being a small town and just seeing how it changed things, made people a lot more enthusiastic about playing and training, for me, that’s the biggest achievement.”
Hill’s journey to Memorial Oval began along the banks of the mighty Murray River where she grew up playing for Cobram in Murray Netball League.
An A-grade premiership came during her time at the Tigers, but it wasn’t long before the emerging star goal defence player had GVL outfits come knocking.
Shepparton United was the next destination for Hill in 2004 where she learned and honed her skills under the tutelage of beloved coach Jenny Barlow.
Her stint with the Dees spanned 123 games acoss seven seasons, two A-grade premierships and five best-and-fairest awards.
It was during this time at Deakin Reserve that Hill transformed into one of the league’s most talented defenders and an important cog in the United line-up with her ability to shut down opponents a standout.
Hill was a member of the 2005 premiership win over Shepparton Swans and was judged best-on-court in the 2009 grand final triumph over Echuca.
The premiership over Echuca came after a challenging and gruelling season for Hill.
A nasty knee injury forced the defensive gun out for an extended time and it took three operations to get her back out doing what she loved and excelled at.
“I loved my time at United,” Hill said upon reflection.
“I was at uni and shifted across to United just to play at a higher standard and it was around that time the GVL took off.
“I was lucky to win two premierships there; the ’05 win was a special one over our rival and it was a real close one too. For me personally, the ’09 win probably is the favourite just in terms of coming back from that injury and it ended up being my last game at United.
“Jenny was so influential on me as a player and person and I really valued everything I learned from her and also Adam Sloane was another who helped get the best out of me and was a terrific coach.”
Hill’s journey at United came to a close when she joined her husband at Euroa and took up the coaching reins ― however, her playing days continued and her class never left her.
Her A-grade career in the black and white delivered another five club best-and-fairests and although team success in the top flight escaped her she did finally clinch silverware with a group of her best mates in 2019.
Hill was a member of the Magpies’ memorable B-grade premiership win which ended a 36-year drought for the club.
Again, Hill was influential on the big stage and was awarded the best-on medal, but it was seeing her friends, such as Megan O’Bree and Euroa president Scott Watson, and supporters enjoy success that she cherished most.
“That was so special to be a part of and it was great to see what it meant to so many people at the club and a lot of my good friends who I played with,” she said.
“I was more happier for them really.”
Now in the twilight of her illustrious career, you often catch Hill umpiring A-grade matches and coaching her daughter Ella’s 15-and-under side.
Hill confessed that she “sees (her) future” in umpiring and it is a role that everyone “should think about” doing to give back to the game.
But in the meantime, expect to see the dependable and durable defender enjoy the hustle and bustle of court life.
“I guess I’ve been lucky to still be able to keep running around,” she said with a laugh.
“I’ve been involved since a very young age and it’s just a real love for the sport that helps keep my involved. You’re retired for a long time, so while I still can I’ll play.”
Hill will play her 300th game on Saturday in the round five match against Shepparton Swans.