CLUB ICON REACHES GAME 350 Paula Tunkin is a stalwart of the Millicent Netball Club and with five A grade premiership medals in her collection, she was a key part of the Saints resurgence in the early 2000s. Her connection with Donna Denton and Tamara Haggett, playing with Mel Gibson in centre, Tunkin was one of the associations premier wing attacks in the first incarnation of the Saints rise to Western Border netball powerhouse. Her pace and creativity of delivery make her an invaluable asset for the Saints. She always seems to find the circles edge with imminent ease and despite being a shorter player, she never seems fazed by any pressure over her feed. She is also a hard working defensive player, working hard to create turnovers when the Saints lose possession. Tunkin has given A Reserve defenders similar headaches in the past couple of seasons, helping lead her side to the 2013 grand final and finishing runner-up to Casterton stalwart Trictia Cleary in the 2012 association best and fairest at A Reserve level. Tunkin played her 350th game on Saturday and while there was no victory to enjoy against a tough South Gambier outfit, Tunkin was again one of sides best. Not only has her career, which started back in 1992, seen her enjoy incredible premiership success but she has also been a Western Border representative at Victorian and South Australian Country Championships and numerous appearances in the Western Border team of the year is proof of the high esteem in which the tough mid courter was always viewed by opposing teams. Tunkin has five club best and fairests in her trophy cabinet, as well as two runner-up trophies and two coachs awards. Not surprisingly, her 22 years at the club have not just been about her playing but also passing on her expertise to the clubs juniors. Last year she guided the saints 15 & under line-up to a somewhat surprise grand final appearance and her charges certainly tested the all-conquering East Gambier line-up despite not securing the victory. She is in charge of the same age group this season. Paula is married to football club president Craig Tunkin and has three children - Harry, Daisy and Lenny - all four were by her side at the pre-game presentation acknowledging her 350 quality outings for the club. Check out a couple of shots on Paula in action in seasons past in the photo gallery.
Posted on: Sun, 11 May 2014 04:17:59 +0000
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