Wolves' wonder Buckley hits 300-game milestone

Westside Wolves Hockey Club stalwart Jemma Buckley will run out for her 300^th Premier League game for Wolves this weekend when her side challenges Hale on Saturday at Lemnos Field.

Well-known in WA hockey, the multiple premiership player will look to lead her side in a blockbuster clash that has an impact on finals standings heading into the end of the season.

Buckley, a lifelong Wolves player, is excited to hit the milestone, which will be a celebration of her time at the club as a whole.

“I feel really proud and excited to hit the 300-game mark for a club that I absolutely love,” Buckley says.

“I have been really lucky to be surrounded by some absolutely awesome players and coaches over the last 20 years.

“They have made the experience incredibly enjoyable, which has kept me wanting to player year after year.”

For Buckley, it has been a commendable career, with her tenure coinciding with a successful period for the club.

“I have been quite fortunate to be a part of a team that has been so successful,” Buckley says.

“We have played in a few Grand Finals and won a few premierships – nothing beats the club party that follows a Grand Final win!

“More importantly, I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to do this alongside my younger sister Elly and some awesome girls.”

Buckley has been at Wolves since the age of five and says she would not have it any other way.

“I have played for Wolves since starting in Minkey when I was 5 years old,” Buckley says.

“I couldn’t imagine ever playing for another Club.

“The support network that the club provides is exceptional and probably the reason why we have so many players that play their juniors at Wolves and then transition into seniors.”

It has been a stellar career, one that Buckley says could not have happened without the support of her closely-knit network.

“Throughout the 300 games, I honestly do not think my Mum or Dad would have missed more than a handful of games – they are literally our biggest fans,” Buckley says.

“My sister Elly has been a huge support and has been by my side along the ride, which has been such an amazing experience to be able to share the journey with her.

“I also can not thank Wolves enough. I have been so privileged to be coached by some unbelievably talented coaches and the reason I continue to play is because of the girls that hit the field alongside me – I am so lucky to play with some incredibly talented players but also make some really good friends.”

Catch Buckley and her Wolves take on Hale in a top of the table clash from 3:00pm at Lemnos Field.