After immigrating to New Zealand with her family from The Netherlands as an eight-year-old, long-limbed Auckland defender Yvonne Willering went on to play a prominent role during a glittering 10-year Silver Ferns career.

At school, Willering excelled at athletics and didn’t start playing Netball until she was 15. From the outset, it was obvious she would make an impressive defender, quickly making a succession of Auckland teams before the rangy goal defence was elevated to the Silver Ferns in 1974.

Willering went on to compete in three Netball World Cups, her first, on her home courts at Windmill Road, in Auckland, in 1975 being a special highlight. She helped the Silver Ferns to a share of the title in Trinidad & Tobago in 1979 while also being part of the losing final in Singapore in 1983.

Willering’s height and hunting skills were tailor-made for a new era in defensive play where she became renowned for her intercepting abilities. She forged an exceptional career over many years in tandem with her tight-marking defensive partner Millie Munro. A prolific interceptor, Willering was also a strong defender of the shot, often getting a tip to the ball on its way to the hoop, and very reliable with her through-court carries.

A crowd favourite, Willering was also a great team player and well known for her sense of fun and humour.