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Mulwala stalwart Cara Wood has had a marvellous career spanning around 20 years but last week she notched up another amazing achievement, as she played her 350th match at home against Barooga.
“I was very excited and proud to play my 350th but it felt like another game,” Cara said.
“It’s hard to believe it was my 350th, it hasn’t really sunk in that I have been playing for that long.”
Over her 20-year career Cara has been involved in two A Grade premierships and has been awarded life membership, all achievements that hold a very close and dear place in her heart.
“My best moments at Mulwala have definitely been playing in the 2006 and 2013 A grade premierships as well as the moment I was awarded Life Membership in 2016,” Cara said.
“But every match is full of great moments at the Lions.”
Cara’s commitment to the club has obviously been unwavering, but she said that factor comes down to Mulwala being such a profound family club.
“Also, the friendships and extended family members that become a part of your life from being involved in such a great family club are some of the best moments of being involved in a club like Mulwala,” Cara said.
“I’m just very passionate about my netball and I’ve never thought about playing anywhere else.
“I love the people involved in our club, it’s like my second family. I started playing juniors, then over time became involved in coaching and it’s so rewarding to see the young ones you have coached now stepping up and playing A grade.
“I can’t believe that used to be me and before I know it 20 years have passed. It’s just a great club to be involved in.”
From starting her netball career in the juniors, at least 12 of the 20 years Cara has spent at Mulwala have been played in the A Grade with this year seeing her take to the court in B Grade.
With 350 under her belt you wouldn’t blame Cara for stepping away in a playing respect from the game she loves but she said she can see 400 in the distance.
“I would love to be able to say I’ve played 400 as well. Hopefully the body holds up to another 50 games,” Cara said.
“But I will just enjoy each game as it comes now. I’m still loving the game now as much as I did when I started.”
With such a long and illustrative career, many people have played a large part in Cara’s netball career and life, with too many to mention individually but Cara would like to say a massive thank you to all.
“I would just like to say a big thank you to all involved in our football/netball club, you all make our club the best club to be a part of,” Cara said.
“To all my coaches that have taught me so much in netball and life and given me the opportunities to reach this milestone I thank you very much.
“A big thank you also to my family and friends for making this an achievement to remember.”