TONI Dean laughed when her quick calculations revealed she has played about 800 senior netball games.
The game is in her red-and-blue blood, beginning with Ouyen Rovers/Ouyen United in the now defunct Mallee competition to 14 years spent with Mildura in the SFNL, alongside twilight and night competitions.
This week, the beloved ex-Demons president will reach game 250 for her adopted club when her C Grade side face Irymple at Henshilwood Oval.
Dean is one of the most decorated players in recent club history with five B Grade premierships, a two-time Walder/Hyder Medal winner as the SFNL B Grade best and fairest, and a multiple time club best and fairest winner.
This adds to the premiership she won in about 200 games with Ouyen, where she made her A Grade debut as a 15-year-old.
Dean is also seen as a Mildura club legend, holding almost every off-court role since arriving in 2009.
“The years go by so quickly but I’ve absolutely loved every minute of it,” she said.
“Coaching playing being on the committee and president, it’s all been fantastic.
“Going from Ouyen in the Mallee to Mildura means red and blue are the only colours I’ve worn.”
Dean has proved her durability across the years, missing just four games since arriving at Brian Weightman Oval with two of those coming this year while away.
Her love for the game has also allowed to play through injuries she may have been carrying.
“I think fitness has been important but I’ve been really lucky I haven’t had many major injuries, and I’ve been able to play through the ones I’ve had,” she said.
“I just love the game that much, I don’t want to miss a game whenever I can help it.
“In my time here, I think the inclusion of netballers into the fabric of the club has been amazing, and a pivotal point.
“I’ll play until I can’t go any more, I’m still enjoying being out there with the girls.”
There’s potentially more silverware on the way too, with Dean’s 2023 C Grade side currently undefeated and braced for a top-two clash with the Swallows on Saturday.
In the Change Rooms with Toni Dean:
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your football/netball career? My Mum
Who is your funniest teammate? Caitlyn Adamson
What’s your biggest pre-game superstition? No superstitions
Favourite movie? Titanic
Last TV series you binge-watched on a streaming service? Wednesday, before that, Stranger Things
What’s your go-to music before playing sport? Anything 80s, but the younger girls usually have control of the music!
If you were down to your last $10, what would you spend it on? Spiced chai, extra hot
In other games, Red Cliffs’ A Grade, who are yet to secure a win, will be aiming to overtake the Eagles on the ladder as the bottom two teams face off.
The last time they met, the Eagles defeated the Tigers by six goals.
At Brian Weightman Oval, Imperials’ A Graders will take on South Mildura’s.
South, who are third on the ladder, are coming off the back of two wins, a bye and a draw and will be looking to continue their strong run this week.
Now sixth-placed Ouyen United and first-placed Wentworth will face off at George Gordon Oval.
The Kangas, who have recovered strongly from their slower start to the season, will be looking to close the margin between the two 2022 grand final playing teams.
And lastly, at Henshilwood Oval, second-placed Mildura will face fourth-placed Irymple.
The Swallows will be hungry for a win to allow them to break away from Merbein in 5th.The Pies have the bye.
