Glenelg’s Lucy Bellinger named SANFLW Player of the Week after impressing in round one

Lucy Bellinger’s fondest childhood memories involve kicking a footy at the local park with her dad. More than two decades after developing a love for the game, she is starring for Glenelg – and is the SANFLW’s Player of the Week for round one.

Lucy Bellinger’s fondest childhood memories involve kicking a footy at the local park with her father, Dave.

Now, more than two decades after developing a love for the game, she is starring for Glenelg in the SANFLW.

Bellinger began her third campaign in a Tigers guernsey with a best-on-ground performance in the club’s 7.9 (51) to 2.4 (16) round one win against Woodville-West Torrens at Noarlunga on Friday night.

The centre half-forward recorded 23 possessions 10 marks and two goals, leading to her being named the first SANFLW Player of the Week for 2019.

Glenelg’s Lucy Bellinger in action during round one. Picture: Gordon Anderson

“I’ve been kicking with Dad since I was two and I’ve been going to Crows (men’s) games for as long as I can remember,” Bellinger, 25, says.

“Me and Dad would always get to the games early and have a kick for about an hour.

“It means a lot to be recognised and I am very grateful.

“It’s exciting and I couldn’t have imagined round one to go any better, not just for me, but for the team.”

The Tigers’ victory was their first since March 25 after finishing 2018 bottom with a 1-9 record.

Bellinger says a gruelling pre-season and more backyard kicking drills with Dave is behind her improvement.

“Pre-season was full-on, very hard, but I think it’s put us in a good spot,” Bellinger, of Grange, says.

“Dad is 63 and still comes out every weekend with me to practise.

“My partner Charlie (Dawe), who also plays for Glenelg, has also really helped me with my kicking technique.

“I think last year I got pushed off the ball a bit, so I’ve been working hard to get those contested marks.”

New Glenelg SANFLW coach Jason Fairall. Picture: FlashGordon Photography

Like many budding female footballers, Bellinger played until she was about 12, but stopped because there was no pathway for her to continue.

She took up the game again when she was 21 with West Adelaide in the Adelaide Footy League women’s division one competition.

Last season Bellinger moved to Morphettville Park.

She will to rejoin the Roos once the SANFLW season ends in late May.

“It’s so great to see female footy evolve because when I was a teenager, it was nothing like this.”

Glenelg will look to continue its strong form when it takes on Central District at Elizabeth this Friday night.

Other round two games:

■ North Adelaide v Sturt, Norwood Oval on Friday at 6pm.

■ Norwood v South Adelaide, Norwood Oval on Friday at 7.45pm

■ West Adelaide v Woodville-West Torrens, Richmond Oval on Friday at 7pm