Canterbury’s first woman to reach 100 games: Brigette Roberts

For Brigette Roberts, the journey to 100 games has been filled with unforgettable moments. Roberts recently became Canterbury Football Club’s first woman to reach the 100-game mark, creating another piece of history for the club.

The Cobras star chatted with VAFA Media’s Elly Kirlis, reflecting on her football journey and how far she has come after growing up in the small town of Omeo with no opportunities for girls to play footy.

What inspired you to take up footy?

I went to Demons games all the time when I was little and I loved watching my brothers play growing up. When I was 18, I moved to Melbourne and I knew immediately that I wanted to play.

Who introduced you to the sport?

My dad coached me in Auskick when I was very young and took me to the MCG basically every weekend before we moved to the High Country.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career so far?

I think everyone goes through emotional ups and downs in their sport, so I’d have to say that’s been my biggest challenge. It’s a mixture of outside influences and internal struggles. I’m very glad I stuck it out through the hard times.

How have setbacks or injuries shaped you as an athlete?

I’ve actually been very, very lucky injury-wise (touch wood). Nothing that’s taken me out for too long.

In terms of setbacks, I’d say changes at my club, whether coaching or player turnover, have shaped me the most.Sometimes there are decisions made that you don’t agree with, or you feel overlooked, but it taught me to put my head down and keep working.

In the end, we play for fun and it’s important to remind yourself of that.

How much do you enjoy playing in the VAFA and for Canterbury?

I absolutely love playing in the VAFA and I’m very thankful to all the volunteers and supporters.Local sport is such an important part of a community, and the VAFA definitely provides that.

Canterbury Football Club was founded in 1881, making us one of the oldest sporting clubs in Australia. I feel immensely lucky to play at a club with such a rich history.

What I’m most grateful for though, is the incredible group of women I get to play alongside. The friendships, support and camaraderie we’ve built are something I’ll always be thankful for. It’s unmatched. The Snake Pit truly feels like home, and I’m so happy to be part of this club.

How have your teammates and coaches been along this 100-game journey?

My teammates are incredible and I have never felt more celebrated than I did on my 100th game. We always get around each other, but they really went all out for my milestone.

My coaches, Tony, Darby, Uncle and Luke, as well as my previous coaches Jimmy and Harps, have all been fundamental in the way I view myself as a capable footballer and I’m very grateful to them all.

What’s one moment in your career that you’ll never forget, and what goals you are still chasing?

I’d have to say my 2019 grand final win. Who doesn’t love winning!

We had massive turnover after COVID, however there’s still a core group here from 2021 and 2022 and our team is much more aligned now. I would love to make finals with these girls, which we’re yet to do. It’s coming though!

What advice would you give to young athletes hoping to follow a similar path?

Sometimes I really get in my own head playing footy and have struggled with negative self-talk.

My advice is: do it because you love it. I’ve started writing the word ‘fun’ on my wrist while I play to remind myself why I’m here.

It takes away a lot of the anxiety I can feel before or during a game. I picture moments when I’ve felt good in myself as a footballer and it helps so much to get yourself into a game.