FROM grass courts to the modern combined football and netball club set-ups, Rebecca Bishop has seen and loved it all.
The Mildura Football Netball Club life member will play club game 450 on Saturday against Wentworth and isn’t planning on slowing down.
Bishop, nee Leng, is a three-time A Grade and one-time B Grade premiership player, two-time A Grade and one-time C Grade best and fairest and SFNL Horkings Medal runner up who debuted for the club in 1997.
The sister of Demons football stalwart Tim Leng has played every year outside of 2013 with the birth of her daughter Bonney and the COVID-affected 2020 campaign.
Having been described as a mentor for many young players coming through the ranks, Bishop counts herself lucky to be part of her club.
“I knew it (the milestone) was coming up at some stage but when I found out it was this weekend it definitely came as a surprise,” she said.
“I’m a true believer that if you enjoy your sport and your club you will keep coming back.
“I’m lucky to have avoided serious injuries but the reason why I’ve played for so long has been the camaraderie I’ve built with the girls.
“Winning premierships is obviously a thrill as well but it’s the relationships you build over the years.”
Bishop was involved in the Demons’ maiden A Grade premiership victory in 2006, the last grand final played on grass courts in Sunraysia.
“It was played behind the goal posts at the footy oval, I remember it was a stinking hot day and we managed to beat our arch rivals Imperials by about a goal … that was an amazing day,” she said.
“The see football and netball clubs come together over the years had been brilliant.
“When it first started the main winter comp was held in the old basketball stadium, then after A and B Grade, I believe one grade of Under 17s was then introduced before the rest of the divisions and juniors as well.
“Early on, we were just there alongside the football having fun, but now it’s all integrated and it’s not just about the boys.”
Bishop, who rates Horkings Medal winners Amanda Morello, Karina Proctor, Amy Dodds and Monique Sefton among the best netballers she has played alongside, is keen to make history in C Grade this year.
The Demons are yet to win a premiership in that division but are currently top of the table and will face Irymple in next week’s qualifying semi-final.
“It would round out the year nicely if we could do that,” Bishop said.QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS
In the Changerooms
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your football/netball career? Wendy Dawson. She played into her 50s and as long as the body is still holding together, I’d love to do similar.
Who is your funniest teammate? This year it’s Caitlyn Adamson and Nicole Manthorpe
What’s your biggest pre-game superstition? I like to wear the same socks
Favourite movie? Mary Poppins
Last TV series you binge-watched on a streaming service? Bridgerton
What’s your go-to music before playing sport? None personally, but the girls have a theme of ‘feel the love’ this year so there’s a song they play that is along those lines
Your worst habit? A couple but I won’t say (laughs)
If you were down to your last $10, what would you spend it on? Bucket of chips and gravy and a can of Coke from the club canteen
