Merle Streeter/Gothard was another who was involved in the early years of the Avoca Netball Club and has also had a big influence on the success of our Netballers over our history.
Merle was the club Secretary from 1961 to 1965 and then stepped into the role of President for the 1966 season and then Treasurer for the 1967 season.
During those early years she also played for the A Grade team and was the Best & Fairest in 1962 and was Runner Up Best & Fairest on 6 occasions. 1961, 1963-1966, 1969.
Merle played in the 1967 & 1968 A Grade Premierships alongside her sister Gwen Streeter who was also Captain of the 1968 Premiership team. Gwen was also the President in 1967 & 1968.
After a break for some years Merle returned to Coach the A & B Grade Premiership teams in 1988 and in 1989 she again coached the A Grade to Premiers and Champions and the B Grade girls were Runners Up.
In 1990, Merle again coached the A Grade to Premiers and was awarded Life Membership for her contribution to the club.
Merle married a member of our senior football 1971 Runner Up team in Paul Gothard and they produced four children who all played for Avoca.
Brad played some junior football but found that his niche was in golf, where he recently won the Avoca Golf Club Championship.
Daughters, Amanda, Katrina and Trudy were all very good netballers who all figured highly in Best & Fairest awards and all played in multiple Premierships for the club.
The Avoca Football Netball Club gives thanks for the late Merle Gothard for her significant contribution to our club.
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