Queensland netballer finds home in Ballarat premiership
Anna Lawley moved from Brisbane to Darley and won an A-grade netball premiership.
Anna Lawley came to Darley from Brisbane knowing nothing about country footy and netball, but she found her place in one of the Ballarat Football Netball League's strongest clubs. On Saturday, she won an A-grade premiership medal after the Devils beat North Ballarat 50-48.
Earlier that day, she also played in the C-grade grand final loss to Lake Wendouree in overtime. In Queensland, Lawley played netball in a similar competition.
But nothing matched the community feel of country footy and netball in Victoria. Lawley has also worked as a physio at the club.
Lawley said the support from teammates drew her in. So did the shared culture of footy and netball.
It's such a vibe where everyone gets around you, she added.
- Darley 50-48 North Ballarat
- A-grade premiership score
- Brisbane, Queensland
- Where Lawley came from
- Defender and physio
- Club role
Why it mattersThe story shows how regional sports clubs attract players from other states. They help these players fit in and create communities. Athletes thrive in these communities beyond just their sport.
AustraliaDarley's success reflects the strength of country footy-netball in Victoria, where integrated competitions create a different kind of sporting culture from most Australian states.
Corroborated bythecourier.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 d ago
