‘Always first to put her hand up’: Hoppers laud 300-game stalwart

ROKEWOOD Corindhap Football Netball Club secretary Anne Smith believes any club could consider itself blessed to have someone like Rebel Anwyl involved.

As Smith so fondly puts it, the Central Highlands league’s Grasshoppers’ newest 300-game player is always the first to put her hand up to help around the club.

Sifting through the lengthy list of positions held or duties still being performed by Anwyl, it’s impossible to dispute her claim.

“Rebel is an amazing woman, always the first one to put her hand up to do something for the club, or any person in the club,” said Smith, whose other role at the club is in netball admin.

“She has taken on so many roles over the years. Been on the committee, treasurer as well as a committee member; she has also been in charge of our merchandise, ordering and selling that; she’s an umpire and was the netball coordinator and a coach.

“She has coached seniors and juniors. In a nutshell, just an amazing woman. She will do anything for anyone.”

Anwyl’s 300-game milestone, which was marked in last Saturday’s round against Clunes, is a testament to her dedication, passion, and commitment to netball and the Rokewood Corindhap Football Netball Club.

The durable and dependable goaler has been a much-loved and well-respected figure at the Grasshoppers since 1997, when she joined the reserves netball team.

It was through the club that she met her husband Troy.

While there have been spells away from netball in the years since, while raising their family – daughter Macy and sons Max and Rani – Anwyl has always found her way back onto the court.

Her 100th game milestone arrived in 2007, 200 games in 2013 and 250 games in 2016.

Anwyl’s 300th game could not have been timelier for those planning the celebrations. It coincided with the club’s sponsors’ day, ensuring a big crowd attended the Rokewood Recreation Reserve.

Her teammates helped make it even more memorable, helping her celebrate in style with a hard-fought 22-18 victory over the Magpies in D-grade.

Smith hailed Anwyl’s netball smarts, passion and drive to continue playing.

“She can normally be found at goal attack and that’s been her position for the many years I have known her,” she said. “There are not many goals she doesn’t get … still very accurate.

“She still umpires every week, as well as plays, which has to be admired.

“She loves her umpiring and just loves the Hoppers. Although, I think she likes Essendon more,” Smith quipped.

“It was great to get a win on Saturday. Everyone got around it. There was a lot of people watching her run through the banner and cheering her on during the game.”

Anwyl has collected plenty of accolades over the years, including a best and fairest, a runner-up best and fairest, and life membership.

A sentimental highlight was the chance to play alongside daughter Macy, currently a goal shooter in C-grade, a couple of years ago.

Most of all, she has won the respect and admiration of teammates, the club and her community.

“There is so much appreciation for what she does around the club,” Smith said.

“We hope that she will be back playing next year, but if she’s not playing I think she would keep umpiring.”