This Saturday will be a milestone for Romsey netball supremo Hope Hamilton, as she notches up her 400th game, still giving A-grade defenders plenty of headaches.
“I love it … I wouldn’t be still playing if I didn’t. I think it will be very difficult to give up,” the 43-year-old deadly accurate goal shooter said yesterday when reflecting on her remarkable netball career.
Though she admits she could eventually become hooked on golf as her next sporting challenge!
Her 400 games is split up as 250 in the RDFNL, and 150 with Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat League.
Hope Hamilton is one of the very high-profile netballers in the Riddell League, and has multiple individual and team awards to her credit.
“There’s a heap of trophies in a big box at home,” she said, obviously too many to recall in detail.
Not one to go overboard about individual glory, Hope said the ones she particularly valued were the 2010, 2013 and 2017 A-grade premierships with Romsey, the Ballarat A-grade premiership with Sunbury Lions in her first season as a 16-year-old, and the RDFNL Player of the Year.
Then there’s various league and club awards for top goal shooter, Team of the Year member and club best and fairest, among others.
Growing up in Sunbury, Hope was naturally tall (just over six foot) and the Lions enticed her to play at both ends of the court.
It was defence initially, then goal shooting, where she showed uncanny skills for positional play and spot-on accuracy.
Some players make sport look relatively easy, and Hope fits that category.
“There a lot more taller players around than when I was young, and it’s a bit tougher now,” she said.
“I guess experience counts, but I’ve really worked on my fitness over the past couple of seasons, going to the gym and deriving benefits.”
It’s not uncommon for unflappable Hope to shoot at a 90 to 95 per cent ratio, and she likes to think 30 to 35 goals each match puts the Redbacks in a very competitive position.
Will the Redbacks make the A-grade finals?
“Yes, we are good enough at full strength but there’s other very good sides as well.”
Hope feels Riddell is the logical flag favourite, but also rates Woodend-Hesket, Wallan and Macedon highly.
In 2008 Hope moved from fast growing Sunbury to reside in more space at Romsey.
Bringing up a family was a priority, but she resumed netball with Romsey in 2010, being in the premiership side coached by Maryanne Blair that year.
“The Redbacks were really welcoming, and have stayed that way … There’s a real sense of community here.”
Hope documents rates the B-grade premiership against unbeaten Rupertswood in extra time as another highlight.
Asked about who she rates most highly in Romsey talent on the court, she nominated goal attack Brownyn Blair (“We really had a connection”), 2017 premiership star Elle McDonald who now plays overseas, and Tongan Uneeq Palavi.
“In her one game with us Uqeeq was extraordinary. She moved north to play with the NSW Swifts.”
As far as opposition players go, Hope rates Macedon and RDFNL coach Katie Clarke very highly.
“We’ve had some great battles, and it’ always fun as well. Melton Centrals Bec Perara (nee Morabito) is a top player who has stood the test of time.
COMMUNITY ORIENTATED
From a community perspective, Hope was a driving force behind RFNC’s annual Pink Day, raising over $160,000 in 11 years for breast cancer research.
“There’s a strong sense of community here, and I’m really appreciative of everyone who became involved, including generous sponsors.”
“They all love their sport in Romsey,” Hope said, as she expressed high hopes about the directions being taken by her children Klem, 16, Jewell, 15 and Isla, 12.
“They’re great kids, and two are already taller than me,” she laughed.
Hope is proud of the time she spent coaching the C-graders at netballer.
“As a mentor, I’m always happy to pass on advice … I hope youngsters grow up to enjoy netball (or other sport of their choosing) as much as I have.”
COACH SAYS…
Romsey senior netball coach Lena Way has praised Hope Hamilton for her exemplary commitment to the Redbacks over so many years.
“She’s the real stalwart of netball at Romsey, and a great example to anyone wishing to make an impact in the sport.
“In fact she’s living proof of looking after her body so she can achieve so much on the court. Season after season.
“Hope’s 400 games is a truly outstanding achievement,” Lena added.
Hope’s 400th game this Saturday takes place at Romsey against reigning premier Woodend-Hesket.
Anything special going on behind the scenes to mark the occasion?
“I suspect so, but I’m being kept in the dark a bit.”
No doubt there will be a huge crowd present on Saturday.
Well done, Hope, and your form this season shows there’s years ahead on the court if you see fit.
Hope with her three children. 
Hope in action on the court. Photo: J8 Photography
