TRUDI Hallam has been a staple defender for Hopetoun and Southern Mallee Giants netball teams ever since she started playing at the senior level aged 13.
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She said in that in that time she had never played as a part of the same defensive combination in consecutive seasons.
“The teams are just always changing,” she said.
“There hasn’t been a single person that I haven’t enjoyed playing with though.”
She said the friendly nature of the small country towns meant she could not imagine playing anywhere else.
“I love how everyone has the attitude that they should help out,” she said.
“As far as the Giants go, it’s just a really family-orientated club.
“The fact that everyone is accepted and we can just go out to have fun is important.”
Hallam was netball president when Hopetoun and Beulah merged to become the Southern Mallee Giants ahead of the 2015 Mallee league season.
The club moved to the Horsham District league in 2016 and has embraced further change as part of the Wimmera Netball Association this season.
“We were so nervous going into Horsham district league whereas we have been much more relaxed about the latest change,” she said.
“I just enjoy meeting the new clubs and people – everyone has welcomed us so much.”
The 31 year-old said her love for the game meant she would continue playing until her body wouldn’t allow her to any more.
“I’ve played in a lot of grand finals but I’m yet to win one,” she said.
“I have to get a premiership at some point.”