What did it mean to you to reach 50 national games in Round 8?
I feel extremely humbled and proud to have reached 50 national league games, as I never thought it was something I was capable of achieving. I was completely shocked when Deb our team manager called to let me know I was about to reach a milestone! I can't believe that 50 games ago I debuted against Nat Medhurst, one of the most decorated and talented players in the league at the time, in Perth at the age of 19. When my name was called out to take the court I couldn't stop shaking, I then put on the wrong bib and when I entered the game, I nearly dropped the first ball thrown to me haha!
I'm so extremely proud of my effort, attitude, learnings, the many friendships, experiences and life long memories I have created. One thing that hasn't changed over the 50 games is my love for the game, my teammates and my original goal of always trying my best by putting in 100% effort.
It was special to achieve this milestone with the Tbirds girls.
Did you receive a few special messages from people after the game? Tell us about them.
I definitely felt very loved after playing in my 50th National League game. It was so special and heart-warming to receive so many beautiful messages from my Tbirds girls and staff, my family, friends, supporters and the many teammates and coaches I have played and worked with over the years. I definitely shed a tear or two.
One of the special messages I received was from my mum and in her message, she wrote that although 50 games is an incredible achievement, she was prouder of the effort and dedication I have put into something I love doing, the amazing friendships I have made along the way and she loves the way I conduct myself.
I also had many touching messages from my friends in Melbourne. Although I don't get to see them much as I am living in a different state, I am so lucky to have friends support me the way they do!
Can you tell us a bit about your journey across the 50 games and how far you’ve come?
Collingwood and Kristy Keppich Birrell was the first club to offer me a contract and give me a chance at playing sport at an elite level. This is something I will always be very grateful for. I debuted for the Collingwood Magpies in 2018 after a year of being a training partner at the club. After 3 seasons at the pies, I moved to Adelaide to play with the Thunderbirds and be coached by Tania Obst in persuit of new opportunities and development. Across my journey I have been very fortunate to play with some of the World's best GK's in Sharni Layton, Geva Mentor and Shamera Sterling. Each player you come across teaches you something and I'm grateful to have made so many life-long friends. From playing 2 years in a hub and moving states I have definetly developed as a person and player. Physically I have also developed a lot from not being able to do one push up when I first started going to the gym.
Do you have a couple of games in particular that stand out to you as favourites?
