NETBALL
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
TRARALGON netballer Stacey Jacobsen will enter the A Grade timeslot for the 300th time this weekend.
The veteran will become the first Traralgon netballer to play 300 games in the top grade.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Maroons are set to host arch rival Morwell.
Jacobsen has enjoyed a stellar career, winning three A Grade Premierships, three league best-and-fairest awards, and been a Gippsland League Team of the Year representative on six occasions.
The mid-courter began at the club as a 16-year-old in the Under 17s, and Traralgon Football-Netball Club has been her second home ever since.
“It does mean a lot to me, it’s such a special club,” she said.
“I’ve a lot to thank it for, some of the best memories. I’ve been paved through the club and it’s just a great community, a great bunch of girls (and) everybody is ready to play no matter how old you are, everybody just gets along and supports each other.”
Reflecting on the journey, Jacobsen pointed to some special moments throughout her career.
“Winning the 2015 A Grade premiership, we won it the same year the seniors won the flag. That was a pretty special time,” Jacobsen said.
“My husband (Mitch Jacobsen) was actually in the senior side when they won and I won with the A Grade side, we weren’t together then (though).”
Jacobsen (nee O’Brien) also noted being awarded life membership at Traralgon as another significant moment.
The staunch A Grade superstar took on the captaincy this season alongside teammate Bron Tebb. The team has been in a noticeable transition period over the last few years.
“It’s a really unique side we’ve got this year. We’ve got experience and then we’ve got some really young girls who are only 16-years-old playing in the A Grade side,” Jacobsen said.
“They’ve got a lot of talent these young girls, they are going to be absolute superstars and we’re fortunate to have them at Traralgon… hopefully I do try and use my experience to help them out, but some games I’m trying to just keep up with them myself and they push me… they’re an exciting group of young girls.”
As for the weekend, facing seasoned rivals Morwell, the Maroons are hoping to lock in a finals berth with victory.
“It’s always a tight clash against Morwell, so I expect it to be the same this Saturday,” Jacobsen said.
“It would be great to secure our spot in finals if we get the win. It will certainly make the celebrations even better if we win.”
