Local legend plays 300th game

HUGE ACHIEVEMENT… Nicole Karl, featured here taking a shot, at the Round 7 clash against Murchison-Toolamba on the weekend. Photo: Supplied.
HUGE ACHIEVEMENT… Nicole Karl, featured here taking a shot, at the Round 7 clash against Murchison-Toolamba on the weekend. Photo: Supplied.

LAST Saturday June 1, saw local legend, Nicole (Nicci) Karl play her 300th game for the Tallygaroopna Football Netball Club.

Nicole started with the club back in 1995 as a spritely 20 year old. At the time, she was dating her now-husband Brent; a keen footy player at the club, and says she’d happily drive from Wangaratta on the weekends to play for the club.

After the pair married in 1996, Nicole relocated to Tallygaroopna and continued to play for the club only ever taking short breaks when she ‘had the kids’.

When asked what it was that has kept her actively involved with the club for so long, Nicole said, “It’s the family atmosphere. It’s a real family orientated club. Once you join you don’t want to leave – it’s just that kind of club.”

Over the years Nicci and her family have been a part of both the on and off field success of the club, with her three children playing in both the football and netball ranks, as well as her and husband Brent both having been on the club’s committee and Brent also offering his support as a trainer.

Nicole says there have been many highlights over the years, however her standout would have to be when the club won back-to-back grand finals in 2016 and 2017.

“Having to wait 21 years to win another grand final and then winning back to back grannies was a big achievement,” she said.

Nicole attributes the wins to the team’s dynamics and the strength and unity that being friends both on and off the courts brings.

The Tallygaroopna Football Netball Club said they would like to thank Nicci for her service to the club, not only on the court but off the court as well.