A ‘Roo through and through: Smith reaches 500-game milestone

SINCE first stepping onto the court in 1993 to reaching her monumental 500-game milestone, Emma Smith calls Anglesea Football Netball Club her second family.

Smith has been a loyal Anglesea member for 33 years, not once stepping on court for another club.

Preparing for her 500th game this weekend, she said the milestone is a proud achievement and there is not club she’d rather do it at.

 

“I can’t even remember getting to Anglesea I was that young,” she said.

“I just fell in love with the club and its people.

“There have been so many highlights, none really personal, but all of them about the club. It’s the friendships, the people and the family dynamic that we’ve all created.

“What more is there to do in winter than run around with your mates on a Saturday.”

Not only a record-breaking player, Smith has given back to the club immensely, stepping into administration and coaching duties, even supporting financially as a sponsor.

Now a mother, Smith hopes to play with her two daughters Scout, 9, and Lakey, 7, one day.

“If my body holds up I hope I can get out there with them,” she said.

 

“I played with my twin for many years, so to do it with my kids would be iconic.”

A premiership would also be the icing on the cake in the twilight of her career.

“I saw the boys win the seniors flags last year and it certainly lit the fire for me again too,” she said.

“It looks like our D Grade [the team I play in] might make finals.

“Winning a flag is a bucket list well and truly. Hopefully one day.”

As for the next 100 games, Smith gave no indication she will stop playing anytime soon.

The niece of club games record holder Craig “Jacko” Leeman, Smith said she’d like to take the title off him.

The veteran ‘Roo will pull on the blue and white dress for her historic 500th match on 18 July when Anglesea hosts Portarlington at Ellimatta Reserve.