Douglass humbled by award recognition

THERE were more than a few people shocked to receive accolades at the Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) junior awards night, but not all of them were players.

Among the highest honours bestowed was that on much-loved Ballarat region netball stalwart Prue Douglass, whose service to the BFNL was recognised by having the 17-and-under best and fairest trophy named in her honour.

It’s a testament to the enormous contribution she has made to the game through her tireless work in the interleague representative netball program and at club level.

BFNL netball manager Gemma Murphy lauded Douglas as one of the “most influential and committed contributors to netball within the BFNL” over many years.

“Her involvement has touched every level of the game and has helped shape the opportunities available to players, coaches and clubs across the BFNL,” she said.

“Prue has served as a BFNL board member, given countless hours to representative netball as a coach and mentor.

“At club level, she has been equally as dedicated, mentoring young players and coaches.”

A shocked Douglass admitted to being overwhelmed and “totally humbled” by the honour.

“I had absolutely no idea at all that it was coming,” she said.

“My husband (Tony) and my daughter (Poppy) both knew – they’ve known for weeks.

“There was a bit of wrangling going on to keep it a secret and to get me to the event.

“It was quite lovely not knowing, a real surprise and quite overwhelming.

“Like many people in community sport, you do it because you love it and you are heavily involved.

“I am just extremely fortunate to have been recognised for something I love doing.”

One of the BFNL interleague program’s inaugural coaches, Douglass’s legacy has continued into her current role as coaching mentor, guiding and supporting the next generation of coaches.

She cannot speak highly enough of the coaches who have devoted their time and energies to the program across the past dozen or so years.

“It’s a great group of men and women,” she said.

“We have had people come and go due to life commitments and find themselves no longer able to do it, but they have all been wonderful.

“I have made so many friends and like all sports, it’s the lifetime friendships you make that count.”

Douglass isn’t about to rest on her laurels, saying there is still more she would like to achieve in netball, headed by continued learning.

“I’d like to see more players that I am involved with make higher teams,” she said.

“And of course I would like to keep bettering myself as a coach mentor.”

In the most exciting best and fairest count of the evening, Lake Wendouree’s Eden James became the inaugural winner of the Prue Douglass Trophy, edging out a trio of joint runners-up, North Ballarat’s Audrey Murnane, Redan’s Elizabeth Morrison and Sebastopol’s Makayla Wright.

James secured the win with a vote in the final round.