Sport

Annalise’s milestone match ends perfectly

By Yarrawonga Chronicle

May 13, 2026

Annalisa Grinter’s relentless pressure and ability to drive the ball forward helped shape countless successful campaigns for the Pigeons.

Star Yarrawonga netballer Annalise (“nee Bourke) Grinter played her 250 th A Grade game, with a classy win against Corowa last Saturday.

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Few players have had the impact on Pigeons’ netball that Anna has over the years. Her defensive partnership with Hannah Symes and Kylie Leslie became one of the competition’s most formidable combinations, making scoring against Yarrawonga an enormous challenge.

Through the midcourt, often linking with sisters Kaitlyn and Laura, Annalisa’s relentless pressure and ability to drive the ball forward helped shape countless successful campaigns.

Beyond the statistics and premiership success, however, it is Anna’s toughness and resilience that teammates and supporters admire most.

“It is pretty special to be honest, to be up there with 250 games,” Annalise said.

“I’m honoured to be among the players with 250. I don’t like to take attention, but I am incredibly proud to achieve that,” the brilliant defender said.

Good news for Yarrawonga where she has played a total of 338 games, is that while it may be “my last season or two” the recently turned 39-year-old has no intention of stepping away from the club.

“I will always want to take part in the club and help wherever I can, particularly the younger girls, because I believe that is only right for older ones to help out,” Annalise said.

“I love the club and have so many friends here.”

Club President Ross Mulquiney said that whether playing through injury, taking on taller opponents or returning from serious setbacks, Anna has consistently stood tall when her side needed her most.

“Time and again, in the biggest moments of the game, the Pigeons could rely on Annalise Grinter to produce a match-defining effort,” Mr Mulquiney said.

“The entire club congratulates Anna on an outstanding achievement.”