Excitement sparks as Amanda Clarke prepares to run out on court this Saturday, to celebrate her 500th game with the Bungaree Netball Club.
Clarke has been with the club for 35 years, initially joining in her junior days at the age of 12.
Proven to be more than just a superstar netball player, she is known for her dedication to the Bungaree Netball Club, umpiring games and coaching all grades of junior and senior teams, and being recognised as a mentor figure for new coaches joining the club.
It is with no question that Clarke is one of the most decorated players at Bungaree, with incredible achievements within the club and further afield.
One of her many highlights and achievements at Bungaree is receiving the league’s Best and Fairest at 35 years of age, only 8 months after giving birth to the third of her four children.
Leading from the front, a statistic that stands with Clarke, will be one that others could only dream of, as she is yet to miss a finals campaign since her very first year at the club. Adding to her wall of achievements, it was an experience to remember, as she has proudly ran out on court alongside her oldster daughter, Jemima.
Barb O’Dwyer, a great netball friend of Clarke’s, reflected on the 25 years and more that they have shared at the Bungaree Netball Club.
“Our friendship through sport is one of those things that you truly treasure, when you are involved with someone who you get along with so well and are both very passionate about Bungaree Netball Club you really find that connection,” O’Dwyer said.
O’Dwyer shared the moment that Clarke and herself had achieved one of their first wins together in an open team.
“We were the underdogs and we weren’t supposed to win. But the eye contact we had for each other was where it all really began for us – we realised we were very similar, and the age difference did not matter.
“That was the beginning of our friendship, and our career together in netball. We have really enjoyed ourselves and are very lucky to have had a close relationship over such a long time.”
Ask the community and you will discover that Clarke is an extremely determined and driven individual. She understands that in order to perform your best, you need to be your best.
She is a club stalwart and a true Bungaree legend who is loved and admired by all. Congratulations and good luck on the weekend Amanda.
Amanda Clarkes achievements throughout her time at Bungaree Netball Club.
Bungaree Netball Club
1986 15/Under Runner Up
1987 15/Under Best & Fairest
1988 15/Under Best & Fairest
1989 18/Under Best & Fairest
1991 Open Runner Up
1992 Open Best & Fairest
1993 Open Best & Fairest
1995 Open Best & Fairest
1996 Open Best & Fairest
1997 Open Best & Fairest
1998 Open Best & Fairest
1999 Open Best & Fairest
2003 Open Best & Fairest
2004 Open Best & Fairest
2005 Open Best & Fairest
2007 Open Runner Up
2008 Open Best & Fairest
2009 A Grade Best & Fairest
2010 A Grade Best & Fairest
2011 A Grade Best & Fairest
2012 A Grade Best & Fairest
2013 A Grade Best & Fairest
2014 A Grade Best & Fairest
2017 B Grade Best & Fairest
Central Highlands Netball League
1987 15/Under Best & Fairest
1988 15/Under Best & Fairest
1989 18/Under Runner Up
2005 Open Best & Fairest
2008 Open Best & Fairest
2010 A Grade Best & Fairest
2011 A Grade Best & Fairest
