Glenroy grannies hang up netball bibs after four decades on the court
<p>When a team of friends formed a netball team in 1970, little did they know it would take them on a 45-year journey that would see them play in five different Masters Games across Australia. Their heroic run included a gold-medal win, as well as several trips to Fiji, Malaysia, Singapore and the Cook Islands.</p>
<p>The Glenroy Grannies, whose original members consist of Maree Wilson, 72, Lorraine Castledine, 70, Fay Merson, 71, and Beryl Paterson, 72, haven’t missed a season since they formed. But with 32 children, 65 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren between them, they’re deciding to call it a day.</p>
<p>“We’re too old to be knocked down by 20-year-olds,” said 72-year-old Beryl Paterson.</p>
<p>“Once you sort of get over 70, that’s when your body tells you, ‘I think you’re doing the wrong thing’.”</p>
<p>Mrs Paterson said although she hates the thought of retiring, she knows her team will still catch up regularly.</p>
<p>“I think it’s the friendship that’s kept us together,” she said.</p>
<p>Broadmeadows Netball Association secretary Karen Albon said the Glenroy Grannies was an inspiration to young players.</p>
<p>“Some of them have been playing for close on 50 years – it’s amazing,” Ms Albon said.</p>
<p>“They really went out on a high.”</p>
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