When Charlotte Elley (26) first entered the ANZ Premiership training environment as a Year 12 student, she never imagined one day playing 100 games in the competition. “It’s very surreal. It’s kind of scary because I don’t feel old enough to play 100 games!” laughs the midcourter.
Against the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel in the weekend Elley notched up 100 ANZ Premiership Games and it was fitting that her biggest supporters were in the stands to watch.
“I started playing netball when I was 6 at Westport North Primary School so it was so awesome to have Mum and Dad at my 100th game.”
Her brothers Cory and Reuben made the trip down to Invercargill as well as her partner Mitchell Drummond after his Super Rugby game for the Crusaders on Friday night.
“I feel lucky to bring up 100 games with the Magic girls. It was a special occasion and to get the win was even better.”
After seven seasons with the Tactix, Elley made the move North to the AVIS Magic for the 2023 season and admits she’s embraced the change and loving her netball.
“I love this team and we have so much fun together. The trainings have been quite difficult– we’ve had tears, we’ve had it all.”
For Elley it’s having fun that she believes brings out the best in her game.
“I definitely have higher aspirations with netball but for me the main thing is that I’m enjoying myself.”
Hailing from Westport, Elley played lots of different sports growing up but says she started to take her netball more seriously when she moved to St Andrews College in Christchurch with the help of Margaret Foster for her final two years at high school.
In her second year at university, she was offered her initial ANZ Premiership contract after being part of the wider squad for a few years.
In those early years Elley says the Tactix were really like family.
“The more experienced players fostered me so well into the game and I was really lucky to start my netball career in that way.”
“I played with Bailey Mes in my first ANZ game and I’ve played with her in my 100th which is so cool. I can’t wait for more.”
