Posted on 1 February, 2019

The Kilsyth Lady Cobras have signed Kilsyth Junior Clare Camac (nee Papavs) for their debut season in the new Victorian Elite State League (official name TBA).

Camac returns home to Kilsyth for the first time since 2008, when she led the Lady Cobras to their last SEABL championship. Since then, the sharpshooting lefty wing established herself as one of the SEABL’s all-time great winners, winning another five league championships with the Dandenong Rangers, including back-to-back titles over the Lady Cobras in 2015 and 2016.

In a remarkable career spanning 330 SEABL games, Camac averaged 10.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest with Kilsyth and Dandenong before stepping away at the conclusion of the 2017 to give birth to her first child. But her retirement was short lived, and with an opportunity to return home after over a decade away, the decision to step back onto the hardwood was an easy one for Camac.

“Being a Kilsyth junior and starting my senior career at Kilsyth, I’m absolutely rapt to be returning to the club where I won my first SEABL championship,” Camac said.

“I’m hoping to use my experience and help Kilsyth win that much deserved championship. It really does feel like I’m coming home and I can’t wait to get stuck in with my new teammates and coaches this season.

“Home is where the heart is.”

Lady Cobras head coach Sam Woosnam has been impressed with Camac thus far during the team’s preseason campaign, and believes the veteran wing still has plenty left in the tank to offer the team for the season ahead.

“I’m so happy to have Clare returning to our program — I think it’s such a great story that she is able to come back to her junior club to play out her career,” Woosnam said.

“So far this preseason she hasn’t missed a beat and you wouldn’t know she’s been out of the game – or had a baby – such a short time ago.”

With over 300 SEABL games, six league championships, and a wealth of WNBL experience under her belt, Woosnam believes Camac’s background and leadership will be vital to Kilsyth’s success this season. The Lady Cobras will again look to establish themselves as title contenders in 2019, with Camac set to play a significant role in the team’s quest to claim the new league’s inaugural championship.

“Clare’s experience will be such a valuable asset to our team, as well as her aggressive style of play,” Woosnam added.

“Apart from Clare being a Kilsyth junior, I’m also happy that she just wants to play and will be satisfied with any role that is handed to her.”