By Marcus Uhe
Preparations are underway to honour one of the all time greats of the Narre Warren Football Netball Club this week as she breaks new ground for the storied club.
Kate Dowling will become the first player across both football and netball programs to play 300 games in black and white, when she takes the court against Beaconsfield in B-Grade action at Kalora Park.
Dowling was also the first to reach the 250 game milestone in 2019, ensuring her name goes down in folklore at the club.
Her glittering CV features bests-and-fairest awards and premiership as captain and coach, including last year’s B-Grade grand final triumph over ROC.
B-Grade netball coach Michelle Mashado beamed with pride when speaking about Dowling, describing her as the type of person anyone would want at a local club.
“She’s known as ‘Kate the Great’ because she does a lot of behind the scenes work as well,” Mashado said.
“She always puts her hand up to help in any situation that we have.
“All those club things that you do as a club person, and that’s what makes her such a good club person.
“She’s here to watch the juniors, supports the girls on and off the court, and plays that leadership role as well as a mentor to some of the girls.
“There’s not a time where you’d come across her and she’s not positive, she always backs the club and I think that’s what, as a committee and club person myself, you love that sort of thing.”
Dowling joined Narre Warren in 2006 as a 12-year-old in the 13-under side and continues to take the court every weekend.
Mashado first came into contact with Dowling when her daughter Brittany joined the club, and recalls Dowling’s qualities shining through, even at such a young age.
“Personally I didn’t know Kate and I got to know her through netball, and you couldn’t find a nicer person if you tried,” she said.
“My daughter didn’t know anyone here but (Dowling) took her under her wing.
“You could tell that she’s got that beautiful heart, beautiful soul, she’s someone that you want someone new to the club [to know], to make them feel every bit a part of the club and their first experience here.
“We’ve become close because of my daughter’s relationship with her on and off the court. I’m lucky I get to coach her again this year.”
The B-Grade contest begins at 12.30 on Saturday.
