The Mercury was talking to her after she had been named NSW Hockey's Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her many years of dedicated service to hockey in Maitland.

"I'm a star, I've got a trophy to prove it," she said, breaking into a laugh.

While she's a dynamo off the pitch, Honey doesn't mind the on field action either - even at the not so tender age of 76.

"I play for Rebels and when they ask each season who's up for a game, I say don't even bother asking me," she said.

"I'll keep going till they drag me off. I've told them that plenty of times.

"I'm good to go, I'm still going strong. I'll be playing at 80 for sure."

And maybe even for a bit after that by the sound of things.

While in her heyday - she represented NSW at her peak - she was very mobile, these days those penetrating runs down the wing are a thing of the past.

A hip replacement a few years back can do that to you.

"I play ... what's the word ... a tactical game these days, I suppose you'd call it," she says. "I tell the other girls to bring the ball down to the circle, and I'll try to sidle up and snick one in. It works sometimes."

Honey's playing career is unusual. She started at Kurri High School and loved it, but then had a 30-year break when she was busy trying to fit work, and then raising four children, into her schedule.

In her mid 40s she was watching her daughter play and started to get the itch to get back out there.

"I thought after all these years it's time I had some me-time again, and so I joined up and have been part of the hockey here ever since," she said.

"I've made some wonderful friends over the years."

But if she's slowed down on court, off court she remains as busy as ever.

What roles has she played in Maitland hockey - known these days as Maitland Hockey Incorporated?

"Well I've been Treasurer, then Secretary, then President, I've been the general dog's body, I've done all sorts of chores," she said.

"I'm a doer. When people ask for help, I put my hand up. I can't help myself.

"And then, 13 or 14 years ago we got our new synthetic courts. Before that we had played on grass.

"Anyway I was really proud of our new set-up and wanted to keep it clean and neat, so I found myself mowing the lawn. I like to keep it beautiful.

"These days we have other retirees who help me out, which has eased the load a bit.

"But you can add lawn mower to the list. Oh yes, and I still do the canteen too. You can always catch me in the canteen."

Busy as always, on and off the pitch.

A Rebel with a cause ...