All smiles: Ellie O’Sullivan out on court during her 200th game. Photo: Zac Standish
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Zac Standish
You will struggle to find a more popular figure at the Seymour Football Netball Club than A-grade coach Ellie O’Sullivan.
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And you only had to be at the Kings Park netball court prior to the Lions’ round-16 win over Euroa to see just how beloved she is, as locals flocked to pay tribute to the sharp-shooter ahead of her 200th game.
A key cog in Seymour’s incredibly successful netball program for the past 11 years, O’Sullivan has seen it all through her journey as a Lion, and now boasts a reputation as being one of the best players in the Goulburn Valley League.
Now immortalised as one of the club’s few 200 game players, O’Sullivan said it was honour to bring up the milestone in front of a vast array of friends and family.
“The club has always been a very comfortable place for me, so being able to make this milestone is very special to me,” O’Sullivan said.
“I spend so much of my time down here (at the club), it is a real community and a place I feel so supported — it is such a nice place to be.
“Things like (the pre-game ceremony) gives me confidence that people are enjoying their netball and wanting to come back and support me, which is something I find very special.”
Looking over O’Sullivan’s accomplishments as a Seymour netballer, it is clear to see why she is so respected by not only the club, but the entire GVL.
Beginning her career in 2011, O’Sullivan claimed her first club best and fairest the year after in the under-17s, before making her A-grade debut the following season.
A staple of the Lions top-flight team ever since, O’Sullivan featured in premierships in 2015 and 2019, and was captain of that last triumph three years ago.
Leading the way: Ellie O’Sullivan captained Seymour to its A-grade premiership in 2019.
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Cath Grey
She was also part of the GVL’s association championship win in 2019, and featured on the interleague stage in 2018 and 2019.
Off the court, her work has just as profound, winning the Lenny Brown Netball Club Person of the year in 2017, and taking up coaching roles in every season from 2016 to present.
A journey littered with highlights, O’Sullivan outlined a couple of her favourite moments.
“I don’t think you can miss our two premierships, they were probably the best years of netball that I’ve played,” she said.
“But to be honest, my biggest love of the sport is playing with the girls that I play with, and I’ve been very lucky to play with a lot of great netballers that have pushed me as well.
“Playing with this group of local girls has certainly been the highlight of my career, and to be able to share this day with them is very special.”
The 2022 season has seen O’Sullivan thrust into an exciting new role, taking the reins as A-grade coach.
Currently having her team sitting on top of the GVL ladder with finals around the corner, O’Sullivan said she had relished the extra responsibility accompanied with the top job.
“It has been a challenge, but in the same respect something I’ve really enjoyed,” she said.
“With the support of the playing group I’ve got right now it has certainly made the job a lot easier than I first thought and I have loved every minute of it.”
As for the prospect of adding a third premiership to the tally, she said this year’s squad had a fantastic opportunity in front of them in September.
“That is the certainly the aim, to get as far as we can into September and contend for the flag,” she said.
“It is a bit nerve-racking, but also something we’re capable of, so we just need to put our heads down and work hard to make the dream a reality.”
