MILDURA star shooter Jess McNamara has “lived and breathed” netball since she was about five years old.
McNamara, who is also Dees’ assistant coach, is a valuable asset with her experience, height and speed.
The paramedic joined Mildura for the 2022 season after moving to the region for work, bringing with her years of experience in the Victorian Netball League.
In her debut year in the SFNL A Grade competition, she won the prestigious Jackie Horkings Medal.
“(At age) five, I think I started playing netters and I have been playing netball since then, I’ve lived and breathed it,” McNamara said.
“I was playing the VNL when I was 15 and then played that for quite a few years and moved because of work, so that stopped when I was about 23.”
The now 27-year-old said the Dees had been great to her since she joined.
“I love playing netball in general, so it is good to be able to continue playing netball and be supported by my work as well to be able to continue to play,” she said.
“(Netball) is a really good outlet and it is a good family vibe with the club.”
McNamara was a powerful player during Saturday’s match against Robinvale Euston, despite not being listed in her team’s best.
Starting in goal shooter, the athletic star scored 30 goals in the first half of the game, before switching to goal keeper where her height came to the fore.
In the final quarter, she downed a further 12 goals in goal attack to finish with a total of 42 goals, which was more than half of her team’s score.
McNamara said versatility was important and would help the team come finals, but win or lose, she had just enjoyed this season.
“It has been an enjoyable season, not only fun but competitive as well,” she said.
*** As the SFNL netballer of the round, McNamara receives $100 courtesy of Mildura Golf Resort and Fairways Bistro.
