Culcairn best and fairest winner Brigitte Murphy reflects on season

This season's Culcairn A-grade club best and fairest winner originally hails from South Australia.

But after relocating to Wagga to study Veterinary Science, Murphy found the sport to be an important stepping stone on her way to meeting new people.

While she had previously played in a Wagga-based competition, this was her debut season with the Lions after joining her partner and senior footballer Ben Gould at the club.

"I was always going and watching Ben play, so I thought I may as well do something for my Saturdays as well," Murphy said.

"It's been a really good social activity for me and that was one of the main reasons I did it.

"I've done all of the serious stuff now, and it's become more of an outlet and something to do outside of my degree, because it's been pretty intense."

Murphy has a background in basketball, but after suffering a knee injury several years ago, she was forced to quit sport all together.

"I definitely had a really low time in my life there," she said.

"I've always been a really active person and fitness is a big part of my life.

"It definitely was a struggle through that time, but it also reassured me about how passionate I am about sport.

"It was good to be able to get back into it."

ALSO IN SPORT:

Murphy impressed in the Lions' attacking end to claim the top award at the club's presentation day last month, with teammate Carly Lee finishing runner-up.

The B-grade award was taken out by Sarah O'Keefe, while Amanda Stroh finished second.

Caroline Goode edged out Chelsea Wright in C-grade, while Terri Anschaw claimed C-reserve from runner-up Sarah Pedemont.

The club's under-17s award went to Rachel Honeywill, while Broady Thomas finished in the top two.

Audrey Smith claimed the under-15s trophy, followed by Claire Scott.

Chloey Roberts was the best and fairest under-13s player, with Felicity Quinn close behind, while youngster Maddison Wood won the under-11s with Evelyn Dowell being presented with the runner-up trophy.

Culcairn has welcomed former player Georgie Haines back as the A-grade coach for next season.

She takes the reins from former coach Gab Gibbons, who was believed to be the youngest A-grade coach in Hume League history after taking on the job at the age of 18.

Murphy is tossing up her playing future as she heads into her final year of her degree.

"I've loved the season with the girls, but it will just depend on whether I can do it with my studies," she said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: