Making life tough for defenders

DEMI Verbena is every defender’s nightmare with so many strings to her bow that limiting her influence on a game seems like mission impossible.

Last weekend, in Millicent’s Round 1 clash with reigning premiers North Gambier, she played her 200th senior game as a Saint and as the vast majority of those 200 games did, it ended with a victory, albeit it a tough one goal win.

Verbena has speed, is safe with ball in hand, is an accurate finisher and is not afraid of the long shot and those skills have been on display since she joined the club in 2006 as a 13 year old, taking her place in the A Grade line-up just two years later.

As a junior, she was highly decorated, earning Western Border best & fairest and runner up honours in the 13, 15 and 17 age groups and in her first year of A Grade netball she was part of the 2008 runner up Millicent team.

Senior premiership came only a year later, when as a 16 year old, Verbena earned Best on Court honours in the title decider, starting a run of titles for the star goal attack, who spent a few seasons in Adelaide, also making her mark in the State League Reserves during that time, including an association best & fairest.

Those premierships came in 2010, ’11, ’18, ’19 and 2023, adding to her individual accolades with Best on Court honours again in 2019 and 2023.

The individual awards have also flowed throughout her career, winning the A Grade Best and Fairest in 2019, 2023, sharing the title in 2018, and finishing runner up in 2022 and she is a four time Team of the Year member – 2018, 2019, 2023 and 2024.

Verbena has also represented the league at SA Country Championships, including 2011, 2018 and 2019 and her trophy cabinet is full of club awards.

As with most quality players, Verbena’s impact at Millicent extends far beyond the court with club president Krystal Madden saying the star goal attack is also a valuable club member.

“She has dedicated significant time to coaching multiple teams, sharing her knowledge and experience, and has also served on the ladies committee,” Madden said. “Demi is always willing to volunteer her time and is a fantastic role model for those around her.”

After taking time away from the game to welcome her son Eden, Demi made a strong return to the court at the end of last season and has continued her involvement in 2026 as a key member of the A Grade team, while also taking on a co-coaching role.

Verbena’s connection to the Saints runs deep, with several family members, including her partner Caleb, also part of the club – a proud legacy that looks set to continue well into the future.