SWJFL 2022: Riley Fisher becomes first female player to play 100 junior games with Bunbury JFC

Riley Fisher has been bursting with pride lately, after becoming the first female player at the Bunbury Junior Football Club to notch 100 junior games. She might not be old enough to drive yet, however Riley’s talent on the football field has already caught the eye of WAFLW side Swan Districts, which gave her a taste of league and Rogers Cup action earlier this year. Despite officially notching her 100th junior game in Manjimup against the Warren-Blackwood Bombers on June 11, the Bulldogs arranged a special banner at Payne Park prior to last Saturday’s home win over Busselton. This did allow the modest 15-year-old a chance to reflect on her special achievement. “I’m in Year 10 this year, but I played my first game of footy in Year 4,” Riley said. “I can remember my first game so clearly. I was super tall at the time so my coaches put me in ruck, I had no idea what any position was so they just told me to punch the ball. “I think they realised I was pretty useless and by the second half I was having a spell down back. Funnily enough, my first game and my 100th game have easily been the worst weather conditions I’ve ever played in.” Aside from captaining the under 15 State schoolgirls team, Riley believes this is her finest moment in football so far — and although she is likely to play in Perth next season in order to pursue WAFLW and AFLW ambitions, the “kennel” will always be her true home. “The thing I have loved the most about BFC is the sense of belonging you feel when you’re a part of the club,” she said. “It’s definitely my second family and I’ve made my best friendships through footy. It’s certainly the main reason I’ve stayed in junior community footy because I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to my club yet.”