By Renae Smyth
Nerida officiated her last Suncorp Super Netball match on Sunday at USC Stadium, bringing her extensive stint on the sideline at a national level to a close.
Nerida’s extraordinary career began when her daughter started playing at Western Districts Netball Association in Brisbane’s inner west.
Quickly making her way up through the association, taking on various responsibilities, it wasn’t long before Nerida was spotted for official bench duties.
She reminisced about the first time she was welcomed onto the bench by local legend, Maureen Atkins.
“I remember Maureen saying, ‘We have a fresh volunteer here, let’s get her onto scoring and timing’,” said Nerida.
From there, Nerida has gone on to officiate countless matches, including grand finals in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy, the ANZ Championship and most recently the Suncorp Super Netball league.
Not to mention the multitude of international tournaments, Australian Netball League and National Netball Championship matches. If you can name a tournament, she was probably there (on the bench). Scorer 1 was her preferred position.
The heart racing 2018 grand final between the Sunshine Coast Lightning and the West Coast Fever is one of the most exciting games that Nerida has been involved in.
“It was a really enjoyable game; you are just so close to it all,” she said.
Making some great friendships along the way, Nerida will treasure the memories she has made at the sought-after vantage point.
“I became involved in the netball because of the people that get involved in it.
“I like the sport, but if you don’t get along with the people there is no point. I’ve got a lot of great friends out of it. Madonna McKenna has been a good friend and mentor for me.
“Years ago, when my daughter first started playing, I remember asking her ‘What did you think of it love?’ and she said ‘There are a lot of friends there I haven’t met yet, Mum'. And that’s sort of encapsulated netball for me. That’s why I like it - the people.”
Like all netball fans, Nerida has some favourite players of her own. Becoming quite fond of New Zealand international, Laura Langman, describing her as a “lovely lass”.
“She would always come over and to us after each game and say, ‘Thanks bench, thanks for a good game’,” said an appreciative Bartlett.
Although the experience of the long serving volunteer will be missed, she knows that she will be leaving the bench in capable hands with the wider group of tireless ‘benchies’ who keep the game running.
“If you’ve got a bench working efficiently, we tend to just disappear into the background,” she said.
“However, like most volunteers we tend to be alpha females, very few of us are shrieking violets who hide. We’re all fairly dominant and willing to take control.”
Netball Australia CEO Marne Fechner praised Nerida on an exceptional career as a bench official and her immense contribution to the sport.
"I congratulate Nerida on what has been outstanding service to netball,” she said.
“It is only with the commitment and passion for the game of these truly wonderful people that netball continues to grow and prosper across the country.”
Netball Australia Executive General Manager of Sport, Melonie Lowe also thanked Ms Bartlett for dedicating 14 years of service to the game.
“Our Bench Officials play a pivotal role in the success of the sport from grassroots to elite. Without officials like Nerida, our sport would be unable to function,” she said.
Nerida will still remain involved in Netball Queensland’s Premier League and Sapphire and Ruby Series, as well as being part of their State Events Committee.
Once restrictions lift, Ms Bartlett also hopes to spend some time travelling with her husband and playing with the grandchildren.
