When Shannon Bulmer decided 2022 would be her last playing year, the Deniliquin Rovers Football Netball Club could not let her leave without honouring her commitment to the club.
At last Friday’s night’s awards ceremony, she was presented with a Lifetime Membership Award for 24 years of service.
The long-time netballer also accepted a 300 game jacket, highlighting her passion for the game and the club.
Bulmer started with the Rovers in 1998, while still in high school, and progressed from C-grade to A-grade.
She has participated in finals campaigns both as a player and coach, with a few premierships notched up along the way.
This year playing with C-grade, Bulmer and her teammates were robbed of premiership glory when they were knocked out in the preliminary.
While a grand final win would have been the best way to see out her playing career, almost getting there was still a great way to finish.
Bulmer has also contributed to the club off the courts.
Over the years she has been treasurer, sponsorship coordinator, an umpire, scorer, taken on canteen and bar duties, served on the social committee and helped with fundraising - just to name a few.
This dedication was rewarded in 2012 when she received the Club Person of the Year Award.
Bulmer said she was overwhelmed at being honoured at presentation night, and that she could share it with her “other family”.
“Thank you to all my Rovers family; the Life Membership awarded to me was an incredible honour,” she said.
“The reaction from members and friends in attendance was truly a humbling experience.
“A huge thank you to each and every player, coach, past and present committee members that have all been associated with my past 24 years at the club.
“Special mention to my husband Wally, Mick Fleming, Leanne Bode, Suzie Behsman, Craig McCulloch and Tony Tonta, who are all amazing mentors.
“Also Kerrie Godfrey and Charlie Hussey for keeping me together and enabling me to play out my career and notch up so many games.
“This is a wonderful honour and I will treasure it always.”