Ravaillion has successfully come back from off-season back surgery and will join fellow premiership-winning Firebirds Laura Geitz, Romelda Aiken-George and Gabi Simpson in the 150 club when she takes the court in the club’s Suncorp Super Netball season opener against Adelaide on Saturday.
The clash with the Thunderbirds will be Ravaillion’s 107th appearance in the purple dress, either side of her three-season, 43-game stretch with Collingwood from 2017 to 2019.
Geitz, who captained the 2015 and 2016 grand final-winning teams Ravaillion played in, went back to the Sydney-born midcourters first days in Queensland ahead of the 2013 season to lead the tributes to the 30-year-old.
“I will never forget the day I met Kim,” Geitz said.
“She had a timid, shy exterior but it didn't take long to learn that she had the fire in her belly, a healthy confidence and a competitive drive that is second to none.
“Some of my fondest memories is 'the look' we had as I'd throw her the ball back from a goal to her for the next centre pass.
“She was the little general in the middle, she controls the pace and will never lay down until the final whistle.
“Her dedication and determination will always be her legacy. I feel so lucky to have shared some of those 150 games with her.”
Ravaillion’s long National League career hadn’t even started when she made her debut for the Australian Diamonds.
Aged just 19, Ravaillion debuted for her country against England in January 2013 and would go on to earn 60 caps in the gold dress – winning World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold.
Firebirds Head Coach Bec Bulley, who won the 2015 premiership alongside Ravaillion, first met the then-teenager in the Diamonds set-up before they were club teammates.
“I still remember a Diamonds camp in Canberra and Rav came along,” Bulley said.
“She was just this young, fit-looking chick and she just came out and was just blitzing, leading into the pocket, letting the ball go – no fear – she was just incredible to watch and you knew she was destined to be an amazing player.
“She’s someone that always puts in 110 per cent, leads by example, really genuinely is so competitive and wants the team to win.
“She’s such good mentor … she’s got the experience. She’s got the runs on the board and people really listen when she talks to them. She can do it in a really caring and genuine way but bring the best out in people.”
One of those in the current Firebirds setup who has grown up idolising Ravaillion and is now learning all she can as a her teammate is Macy Gardner.
As the daughter of Firebirds’ premiership-winning coach Roselee Jencke, Gardner has gone from playing at her home as a 12-year-old with Ravaillion to playing alongside her in the world’s best netball league.
“Kim is an incredible role model and leader,” Gardner said.
“We are all so grateful for her contribution to the club and personally I’m thankful for everything she’s done for me.
“Her willingness to put others and the team before herself is a true testament to her character.
“What she has achieved and done while also being a mum to Georgie is incredible. A phenomenal 150 games and many more to come.
“I feel extremely privileged to have watched Kim as a youngster to now being able to run out on court with her.”
Watch Saturday’s season-opening game against the Thunderbirds live and on demand on Kayo Sports and Foxtel.
