Three hundred games is a remarkable achievement, but for Cavendish Football Netball Club's Jody Ogle, the milestone is about far more than the number.
After decades of dedication to the game, Ogle has built a career defined by friendships, family, community and a genuine love of netball.
While she has spent the majority of her senior career with Cavendish, Ogle also played at Hamilton (Magpies), Hawkesdale-Macarthur Football Netball Club and Caramut Football Netball Club, following her husband as he coached football at different clubs before eventually returning home to Cavendish. Alongside her club commitments, she also competed in women's and mixed social netball competitions in Hamilton.
Ogle's journey in the sport began when she was around 10 years old, playing in a local schools competition on Saturday mornings. She has only taken one season away from the game, when she was pregnant with her daughter, before returning to continue a career that has now reached 300 senior games.
Reflecting on what has kept her involved for so many years, Ogle said her passion for the game started early.
"I come from a sporty, competitive family. We all love our sport, so netball was probably an inevitable passion of mine."
"I was always courtside when my mum was playing, and so by the time I started playing, I was 'all over it' in terms of the skills and love of the game."
For Ogle, netball has always been about more than competition.
"What kept me playing in all the different competitions has just really been a love of the challenge of the game, and the teammates who you 'turn up for' in all elements – on and off the court."
"It keeps me socially involved with people outside of work but also suits my competitive streak!"
Away from the court, Ogle has built a career as a teacher and has spent many years organising school teams, coaching and helping young players develop their skills and confidence in the game.
Netball has also become a family affair. Ogle has shared the court with both her mum and her daughter during her career, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Her husband has also played and coached at Cavendish and now volunteers as an umpire, with the family continuing to play an important role around the club.
"My other great blessing is having played senior women's netball with my mum, and then with my daughter! We have shared a few grand finals between us, which has made it pretty special on a personal level."
Although reaching 300 games is a significant milestone, Ogle remains focused on what matters most.
"It is nice to say, 'I did that', and to recognise that my family have been there the whole way with me, but it's also as important to me to have team success and to keep contributing strongly to my team."
She also couldn't resist adding a light-hearted reason for continuing to play.
"I have also joked with friends that I have played all this time to not have to pay my membership next year – that they should let me in the gate each week for free!"
Throughout her career, Ogle has contributed to her club in many ways beyond playing, including coaching, coordinating, fundraising and umpiring. Those experiences have helped shape both her as a player and as a person.
"For me, this is about friendship and connection."
"I have been able to spend all these seasons with people who are fabulous in so many ways, and hopefully I have given them a few tips and helped them to improve their netball, too."
