250 gamer and nine-time premiership Yarrawonga netballer Bridget Cassar receives her Best on Court and premiership medals in the A Grade Pigeons 13 goal win over the Wangaratta Magpies in the O&M Grand Final last Sunday.
The name Bridget Cassar (nee Tait) is synonymous with the Yarrawonga Football Netball Club and the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League. Now she has cemented herself in the history books, claiming the Best on Court after shooting 33 goals in the A Grade’s 13 goal premiership win over the Wangaratta Magpies.
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Bridget played in her 250th match for the Pigeons on Sunday, another grand final and Bridget’s ninth premiership with her much loved club.
Although reaching an impressive milestone and winning her first Most Valuable Player (MVP) in her illustrious 21-year career, Bridget was more focussed on the team than her individual successes.
“I tried not to focus on the milestone, the win to me was more important. Something to celebrate with the team,” Bridget said.
“I’ve never won an individual MVP so it was a nice surprise, but to be honest it could have gone to any of our team. They are all huge contributors.”
Bridget has been a part of a lot of triumph with the Pigeons, playing in their maiden A Grade premiership in 2001 before the club became a netball powerhouse winning five consecutive flags from 2009-2013 then going back to back in 2016/17. So how did this premiership compare to the eight before?
“They all have special meaning. As I’m getting older I look back on them and appreciate it more,” Bridget said.
“This premiership is really special. The team are a great group, we all make sacrifices and work hard to get to trainings and game days.”
A major feat that received special mention from Captain Annalise Grinter and OMFNL Chairman David Sinclair on Sunday and epitomises the sacrifices the girls take and the hard work that they do to get to training and game days is the fact that six of the 10 A Graders are mothers.
“There are lots of mums around the club so we all try and support each other as much as possible,” Bridget said.
“The girls are a great group of friends who have a laugh and that makes the difference.
“We will all sit back and enjoy this one and look at starting preseason towards the end of year. There are a few celebrations before to worry about.
“As I said previously they are all huge contributors that know the game, know how to perform in the big games. We are just so lucky to have them playing at our club.
“It takes so much to get out there each week and just play so a special mention to Laura Irvine who is my co coach. We spend so much time together, on the phone several times a day.
“We just really work well together, we are great mates and I appreciate what she does so much.”
Bridget shooting one of her 33 goals last Sunday.
As in other areas of life, it takes an army to run a football netball club and to create the success the Pigeons have seen over the 29 years netball has been a part of the O&M which is why Bridget highlighted the work of a number of people behind the scenes.
“Both Laura and myself appreciate Nedean Clarke who has come on board assisting us, keeping us in line and supporting our team,” Bridget said.
“Vicky Long our admin coordinator for the club just does a power of work behind the scenes.
“Lauren Lidgerwood our team manager who runs around and has everything organised for us, even our children are sorted.
“Trace Gillies another old friend, and coach, has really taught us all we know. She still guides us today and we are indebted to her.
“Lastly Ross Mulquiney our president is all over everything. His support for the netball is unwavering. He was the first one up there Sunday after his own win to congratulate us. He’s a really great president!
“Also a big shout out to my mum, dad, sister Janna and my husband Cass for their support.
“Now that I have kids they are always there, babysitting watching out for them so that I can play and coach. They also look out for the other girls kids too.
“I could not continue without their help.
“It’s the best club, my family just love it!”
Yarrawonga stalwart and Ovens and Murray league Hall of Famer Tracey Gillies also spoke of Bridget’s career with the Pigeons, describing her as “an absolute champion”.
“Bridget came to the club at a very young age – probably about 13 - and debuted in A Grade in the year we won our first flag, in 2001 as a very young player,” Tracey said.
“She’s been phenomenal for our club, someone who doesn’t always get the accolades she does.
“‘Bridge’ has been an absolute champion. We’ve built sides around her. This group of players is very special – they’ve stayed together and continue to build.
