By Marcus Uhe
Alexandra Stephenson was the toast of the Narre Warren Football Netball Club on Saturday afternoon as the B-Grade netballer celebrated her 200th game for the Magpies.
In her time at Kalora Park, Stephenson already has a trophy cabinet to envy, with six premierships, two league best-and-fairest awards, five club best-and-fairest awards and interleague representation in 2019.
To put her record into context, that’s a premiership every 33 games, and as a member of the all-conquering Narre Warren B-Grade outfit under Michelle Mashado, she’s lost just one in his last 52 games – undefeated in her last 41.
While in round eight this season, she made her A-Grade debut in a win over Berwick Springs.
The daughter of Mel and Stuart Stephenson, Alex’s netball journey began at the club in 2013 in the under 13s, following in the footsteps of her mother, Mel and older sister, Ashleigh.
As Alex’s first coach at Narre Warren and current B-Grade coach, Mashado addressed the crowd in a touching pre-game ceremony, telling the swelling crowd of footballers and netballers that she is a “much loved young lady” and “adored by her peers”.
“Alex, you are determined, always giving 110 per cent, and you have a never give up attitude, no matter how tall your opponent may be,” Mashado said.
“Your willingness to always improve is a credit to yourself.
“As the years roll into another, we as a club see you as very valuable, not only on the court but also on the bench.
“Keep being the humble team player that you are; Even when you are on the bench, you’re always supporting those on the court.
“Al, keep believing in yourself, keep making memories at Narre Warren Football Netball Club.”
The B-Grade side celebrated the occasion with a come-from-behind win against Woori Yallock, 56-53, with Stephenson one of the architects of the comeback.
