“Versatile, agile and doggedly determined” - South Barwon star reaches A Grade milestone
As finals excitement has well and truly set in over the Barwon region, this coming Sunday is an extraordinarily special day for one player in particular.
South Barwon senior netballer Olivia Cameron is playing her 300th A Grade netball game. This is an incredible achievement and a product of years of hard work and commitment to the game.
Former player and coach Ainsley Corrigan highlights Olivia’s unique combination of skills and attributes that have led her to this milestone.
“Olivia would have to be one of the most versatile, consistent and creative players to have played A Grade netball. That combined with her fierce competitiveness has made her unstoppable over many years,” expressed Corrigan.
Sunday marks the most recent of many successful career milestones for Olivia.
Starting at South Barwon Football Netball Club in 2002 for the Under 13s, Olivia received the League Best and Fairest Award and her team finished undefeated, taking out the top spot in the Grand Final that year.
In 2004, Olivia played her first senior netball game for B Grade and by 2005, Olivia was not only playing for the Under 17s but made her A Grade debut that same year. Both teams won the Grand Final in both 2005 and 2006.
Olivia’s A Grade contributions continued as she remained a key player in every Grand Final from 2007 to 2016, with only 5 of these Grand Finals ending in a loss.
Outside of her achievements at South Barwon, Olivia represented her school in the Victorian Netball, and Basketball, Championships at both junior and senior levels.
Olivia was selected as a Rep player for the Geelong Football Netball League and played for the Geelong Cougars in the Victorian Netball League.
More recently, Olivia stepped away from the court to take time to bring her beautiful daughter Maggie into the world.
Olivia is known for being a great role model to those around her and is a wonderful club person whose contributions are felt on and off the court.
Current teammates Caitlin Hoiles and Tyra Fallon hail Olivia as a true inspiration who lends herself completely to the game and is generous in sharing her passion and knowledge with others.
“She is one of the most talented players that I have had the privilege to watch and play alongside. She is super versatile and a loyal club player,” said Hoiles.
“Liv is such a fierce, talented and knowledgeable player and I’m so grateful to be able to learn off and play alongside someone like Liv. She is an amazing leader with a great passion for the game. She is an inspiration and role model to all and is also always up for a laugh and a bit of fun!” told Fallon.
South Barwon’s A Grade is up against St Joseph’s in this Sunday’s GNFL Semi-Final at West Oval Reserve.
As told by Stacey Dodds, former coach and teammate, Olivia’s extensive finals experience along with her strong physicality and adaptability on the court will be sure to be an asset for South Barwon on Sunday.
“[Olivia is] one of the most determined players I have had the privilege of playing alongside and coaching. Olivia puts her body on the line every week and would do anything for her teammates. It doesn’t surprise me that she’s playing her 300th A Grade game this week as she is also a very talented player that can slot into almost any position according to where her team needs her,” stated Dodds.
Ruby Watson, another former teammate, praises Olivia’s on-court intelligence.
“Olivia Cameron is one of the smartest netballers I’ve ever played with. She somehow knows what you’re going to do, even before you know what you’re going to do,” said Watson.
Olivia’s former coach Renee Lane also acknowledges Olivia’s inner determination and pure talent.
“Versatile, agile and doggedly determined. A Legend of the mighty Swans and a pleasure to play alongside and coach,” stated Lane.
Reaching 300 A Grade games is an outstanding milestone that deserves to be widely celebrated. Congratulations Olivia on a fantastic achievement!
Author: Nina Hyde (AFL Barwon Intern)