Hamersley Netball Club’s 50th year became one to remember, with the club claiming 12 premierships from 13 grand finals at Wanneroo Districts Netball Association, including a seventh consecutive Division 1 flag.
For Hamersley Development Unit members Aimee Armstrong and Tracey Swami, the achievement was more than a number on a results sheet. It was a powerful reflection of what Hamersley has built across five decades: a club where generations of players, coaches, volunteers and families continue to show up for each other.
“We had 15 teams competing across 13 grand finals, with two of those being Hamersley versus Hamersley matchups. Having so many of our teams competing on the biggest day of the season was such a special reflection of the depth across the club,” Armstrong said.
“We had teams from every age group competing in grand finals this year. It was amazing to have everyone there together, supporting each other and sharing in that success. It reflects the strength of the club as a whole; our players, coaches, volunteers, families and everyone who has contributed to Hamersley over many years.”
The club’s previous record was eight premierships in a single day, a benchmark they had quietly hoped to beat. As the wins began to build, so did the emotion.
“As the wins started adding up throughout the day, there was a sense of, ‘I think we’re going to do this,’” Armstrong said.
“To finish with 12 premierships was an amazing achievement and a grand final day we won’t forget. It was exhausting, but definitely the kind of exhaustion you are happy to have.”
The day carried another layer of meaning for Hamersley’s Division 1 squad, led by captain and Grand Final MVP Maddie Hunter, who secured a seventh consecutive premiership and added another chapter to one of the club’s most remarkable runs.
Hunter said captaining the team was special because of the connection between the players.
“It doesn’t even really feel like I’m the captain because everyone in our team is so close. We’re constantly encouraging each other, hyping each other up and just genuinely love playing together,” she said.
The Division 1 squad includes a number of Gold Industry Group WA Netball League athletes, whose commitment to Saturday netball speaks to the enduring importance of community netball and the sense of belonging it provides.
“Even with so many State League players in our team, we all absolutely love playing club netball on Saturdays. It’s a completely different environment. There’s less pressure, we’re playing alongside our friends, we can have a laugh, and it takes some of the stress away from all the other netball commitments we have throughout the year,” Hunter said.
Hamersley started strongly, but had to withstand a fast-finishing Coastal Sparks outfit in the third quarter, with the margin tightening and the final term keeping players, coaches and supporters on edge.
“When I finally heard that final whistle, it was honestly the best feeling. Knowing we had just won our seventh grand final in a row made it even more special. There were hugs and screams everywhere and everyone just flooded onto the court. It was such an amazing moment to share with the girls,” Hunter said.
For Sydney Rafferty, the premiership held a particularly personal meaning. Rafferty has been involved in the team for all seven premierships, watching the group evolve while holding tight to the culture that has made the run possible.
“It’s pretty surreal, to be honest, and it still baffles me that a team has been able to maintain such a high level of success over such a long period of time. We have such a strong emphasis on culture, family and playing for the love and enjoyment of the game when it comes to coming back and playing club netball for Hamersley,” she said.
“I’ve been a part of Hamersley Team 1 for all seven premierships, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience. I’ve had the opportunity to play the game I love in a fun, supportive and stress-free environment, alongside some amazing mentors.”
This season, Rafferty’s contribution came in a different form after breaking her leg at the conclusion of the GIG WANL season.
“I was still able to contribute in a different way through coaching and mentoring some of the younger players within the team,” she said.
“It has definitely been different contributing to Team 1’s success from the sideline rather than on the court, but it has still been incredibly rewarding. I’m really grateful to coaches Beth and Janine for allowing me to remain involved and contribute to the team in a different way.”
The WDNA plaque may be running out of space, but Hamersley’s Division 1 team is still determined to chase an eighth consecutive premiership.
In their 50th year, the club carried an extra sense of belief. The season became a celebration of Hamersley’s history, built on generations of people who have given their time, energy and care to make the club what it is today.
The club marked the milestone with 50th year T-shirts, a golden round and a gala that brought past and present members together.
On grand final day, the celebration was felt most clearly in the noise from the sidelines, the hugs after the final whistle and the pride of seeing decades of club spirit reflected in one unforgettable day.
