Final Curtain Call for Fellowes

Final Curtain Call for Fellowes

26 May 2015

Mainland Tactix defensive import Demelza Fellowes (nee McCloud) has announced she will retire at the conclusion of the 2015 ANZ Championship season.

The Tactix will farewell Fellowes when they host Waikato BOP Magic on May 31 in the final game for 2015 at Horncastle Arena.

Fellowes announced the decision to her team mates at training in Blenheim citing it's finally time to step out of the competitive arena. After 18 years of warm ups, ice baths, footwork drills and strapping tape Fellowes says it's time.

"I know it's right, my body and my heart are telling me yes and there is a great bunch of talent in the league ready for me to step aside and give them a go. I've loved working with Sue (Hawkins) this year and it will be great to be finish the fight with my gritty Tactix team mates".

Mainland Tactix CEO Brigit Hearn says it’s never an easy decision to retire from a sport that Fellowes obviously loves.

"Demelza has contributed hugely both on and off the court, and having played her first and last ANZ Championship game for the Tactix is very special. We wish her every success for the future,” she said.
The 35 year old defender made her senior debut in 2000 and carried on to play over 150 national league appearances in both Australia and New Zealand including eight Finals Series and five Grand Finals.

She also represented Australia in nine test matches over an eight year period and enjoyed a spot in the Australian FAST5 Netball World Series team, the FAST5 Flyers in 2013. So many achievements yet a Championship title has remained the elusive dream.

"Despite all those years chasing that trophy, I think the biggest trophy I will take is the friendships, wild memories and epic tales that I've enjoyed. It's been an awesome ride" said Fellowes.

"For half my life this game has blessed me with so much joy, and I can’t thank it enough. I won't know myself when it comes to December and I don't have a set program, but I'm excited about that at the same time!".

Mainland Tactix coach Sue Hawkins says Demelza will leave a huge gap to fill.

"Demelza's leadership, netball brain, wisdom, humour and caring for others are a stand out and that's what makes her such an important team member,” Hawkins said.

“Her knowledge will not be lost as there will undoubtedly be opportunities to work with the 2016 Mainland Tactix squad."

A product of the Australian Institute of Sport, Fellowes plied her trade with the Adelaide Thunderbirds from 2001-06 before shuffling between a handful of teams in the ANZ Championship beginning and ending with the Tactix.

Whilst not a household superstar like netball's other recent retirees, many of Fellowes' memories ironically consist of being the witness to other Champion's fairy tales.

"Watching players like Catherine Cox, Bianca Chatfield and Nat Von Bertouch retire recently I realised for many of their greatest club moments I was sitting, shattered at the other end of the court, always the bridesmaid!" laughed Fellowes.

Highlights for the rangy defender include playing for club and country alongside five Australian captains. At the conclusion of Tactix commitments Fellowes plans to continue the youth work role she fills with new husband Saia in Christchurch.

CAREER HISTORY
1996 - 2005 State Representative
1996 - 2011 State League (10 years at Matrics, Life Member, Club Champion x 2, captain 2010 - 2011)
1998 -2000 Australian Institute of Sport
2000 - 2006 Commonwealth Bank Trophy ( Melbourne Kestrels, Adelaide Thunderbirds)
2007 National Bank Cup (Otago Rebels)
2008 - 2015 ANZ Championship (Mainland Tactix, Queensland Firebirds, Southern Steel, Melbourne Vixens)

INTERNATIONAL
1999 - 2001 Australian 21/U (2000 World Youth Cup)
2004 - 2005, 2013 Australian Diamonds
2013 Australian FAST5 Flyers (co-captain)
2009 World Seven Series

AWARDS
2000 Gwen Benzies Scholarship
2003 Adelaide Thunderbirds Best Team Player
2007 Otago Rebels Best Defensive Player
2009 Queensland Firebirds Spirit Award

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