This weekend marks a special round in the Hampden FNL, with two outstanding netballers celebrating significant milestones while the Open finals picture adds one final twist.
At Port Fairy, we proudly celebrate Sarah McCorkell’s 200th senior game, a remarkable achievement that reflects her talent, dedication, and love for the purple and gold. Sarah’s journey with the Seagulls began at just 14 years of age at the Gardens Oval, and since then, she has built a career that is nothing short of inspirational. She has played 90 junior games, 120 Open games and 80 Division 1 matches for Port Fairy, bringing her club tally to an extraordinary 290 games.
A decorated player, Sarah has collected numerous awards along the way and was a vital member of the Seagulls’ 2016 premiership-winning side. In 2017 she even stepped into the coaching role for the Open team, further demonstrating her commitment to the club.
Her Hampden League journey has also taken her to other clubs. Sarah played 60 Open games for Koroit, where she was part of the 2007 premiership side, won the KFNC Best and Fairest, and claimed the prestigious A Grade League Best and Fairest — now known as the Dot Jenkins Medal. Later, she joined Warrnambool, playing 43 Open games after being lured across by her now-husband, Dustin. Across her decorated career, Sarah has now played 224 Open Hampden League games and represented the league in several interleague squads — an incredible legacy across three clubs.
Meanwhile, Victoria Grundy will play her 150th game for Warrnambool this weekend, proudly captaining the Open team. Vic first pulled on the blue and gold at just 10 years of age, beginning a journey that has seen her grow into one of the club’s most influential leaders. Starting as a sharp-shooting goaler before making the move into defence, she has continued to evolve her game with poise and maturity. She played a key role in the 2016 U/17 premiership before making her Open debut in 2018 against Hamilton, the start of a standout senior career.
But Vic’s contribution extends far beyond the court. She has been a junior coach, volunteer, team manager, committee member and the club’s social media guru, always stepping up to support her beloved Blues in every way possible.
On the competition front, the Open top five is now locked, but the race for the minor premiership remains alive. South Warrnambool are back in pole position, while Warrnambool and Koroit are waiting close behind. All three face winnable games, and the result could well determine who earns the all-important week off before what promises to be a blockbuster finals series.
