I arrived in Esperance as a naïve, first year out teacher in 1972, not knowing anyone in town but keen to find like- minded, netball loving people. I was very happy to discover a thriving netball association, being run by a competent and enthusiastic committee.

At that time netball was played on what is now the tennis courts near Jane St and a very small clubhouse tried to cater for the expanding membership.

Clubs were not mandated at that time and women could assemble their own teams and would then be graded according to their ability. The high school girls played together in teams and competed in A Division very successfully. Although not to the standard that is evident today, everyone took their turn at umpiring, as was expected.

Fond Memories from Jenny Brodie-Hall

Competition was intense and this was most evident when it came to the selection of Country Week teams. This annual event, held on the long weekend in June was a highlight of the netball calendar when only country towns competed against each other. With Esperance generally playing in the top division the selection process was intense. Training was twice a week with high levels of skill and fitness demanded by coach, Maureen Sullivan who was to become the inaugural life member of the association.

This was the beginning of many friends made and great times experienced in my decades associated with netball in Esperance.

ENA Through the decades

1950’s

During the late 1950’s, keen minded sports women formed a basketball team for the Mallee to play an equally keen team from Esperance. This was to coincide with the men’s football on Sunday.

Both teams wore uniforms. The Mallee colours were green and black and Esperance wore red and white gingham.

Pre Association Netball
Mallee Team - Late 1950s