Family bonds strong at Glenelg Football Club with siblings and father-daughter duo

Footy is a family affair at Glenelg as these Tigers prepare to enjoy the highs and lows of this season at the same club.

Glenelg has a few sister/brother, father/daughter combinations, playing in its men’s and women’s league sides this year. (From L-R) Shae and her brother, Luke Partington, Nick Chigwidden with daughter Laura, and siblings Alice and Andrew Bradley. Picture: Dean Martin

Her father is Glenelg’s longest serving SANFL skipper and now Laura Chigwidden is set to create her own legacy with the Tigers.

Laura is donning the gold and black this year with the club’s SANFLW side – 21 years after her father, Nick Chigwidden, hung up his boots with the men’s team.

Nick, a favourite son at Glenelg, played 293 games for the Tigers from 1987-2000, was captain from 1993-2000, won four best and fairests (1991-94) and was runner-up in the Magarey Medal twice (in 1994 and 1996).

He is also on the board after being the president for eight seasons before handing the reins over to Peter Carey in October last year.

Laura, meanwhile, made her debut with Glenelg in its opening round victory against Sturt last Saturday, after lining up with Happy Valley’s women’s side last year.

Former Glenelg captain Nick Chigwidden with daughter Laura. Picture: Dean Martin

The midfielder said it was an honour to don the same colours as her Dad.

“I didn’t think I’d be the one out here, I thought my brother would probably play but it’s very exciting,” Laura, 23, said.

“It’s a good culture at the club and hopefully we can have a good season and do well.”

Nick was equally as proud to say his daughter was now playing for his beloved Tigers,

“It’s fantastic, it’s a great opportunity with women’s football really getting some momentum,” Nick said.

“Laura has worked hard over the past 18 months and it’s great to see her so happy.

“For her to be down the Bays is fantastic.”

Laura and Nick are not the only family members at Glenelg this year.

Premiership players Luke Partington and Andrew Bradley’s sisters Shae and Alice are also lining up with the club’s women’s side this season.

Tigers forward Matt Allen’s partner Meara Girvan is also part of the women’s squad.

Shae was inspired by Luke to take up football again last year and was part of SMOSH West Lakes’ 2020 Adelaide Footy League women’s division one premiership.

Sibling love — Brother sister/duo Alice and Andrew Bradley ahead of their respective SANFLW and SANFL seasons with Glenelg. Picture: Dean Martin

Alice began playing football in England with the London Swans as a way to meet people during her time living overseas in 2019.

She then featured with Adelaide Footy League division one side Morphettville Park last year after returning back home at the end of 2019.

“Andrew was always kicking the football around with Dad growing up and I think I tried to be involved when I could but was pushed out of the way a bit,” Alice laughed.

“But I’ve watched Andrew play for so long so it’s very exciting to now be in the (Glenelg) colours and be involved.

“Our goal is to win a premiership, the team just missed out on finals last year so everyone is super driven.”

Andrew, who helped Glenelg snap a 33-year premiership drought in 2019, never thought his sister would take up footy, after playing netball as a youngster.

But was looking forward to watching his sister play.

“It’s good for the family because Dad played a bit of footy here as well, so to see me and Alice both playing here is a good feeling,” Andrew said.

“My advice to Alice would be just to relax, enjoy it and soak it up.”

Glenelg’s SANFLW side will take on reigning premier North Adelaide at Richmond Oval this Saturday, while the men’s campaign gets underway with a clash against West Adelaide at home on April 2.