Geelong Cats women’s team embraces NDIS-supported ‘water girl’

A Cats fan who lives with an intellectual disability has found her “dream job” keeping the club’s AFLW team hydrated.

Bel Cini has worked as a 'water girl' for the Geelong Football Club's AFLW team for two seasons. Picture: Alison Wynd

The Geelong Cats women’s team is staying hydrated thanks to a much-loved “water girl” who spreads joy, as well as H20, around the club.

Torquay’s Belinda Cini, who has an intellectual disability, has completed two seasons and is about to begin her third pre-season on the job.

The one-eyed Cats supporter said she can’t believe she scored her “dream job”.

The 39-year-old NDIS participant from Torquay said her long-time friend Sam Moorfoot, the Geelong men’s team’s veteran water boy, inspired her to give it a go.

“I thought if Sam could do it for the boys, I could do it for the girls,” Ms Cini said.

With help from herLeisure Networks support worker, Ms Cini emailed Geelong AFLW midfielder Mikayla Bowen.

“When I heard back, I was so happy,” Ms Cini said.

“Mikayla wanted to meet with me, so (my support worker) came with me to meet Mikayla, then I met my boss Robert.”

Ms Cini said the team explained the role would include attending games and training sessions, filling up water bottles, handing them to players, handing out lollies and putting out and packing away equipment before and after training.

“I knew I could do it,” Ms Cini said.

“It’s been so much fun. I love getting to know the players and making friends.

“In 2022 I even went to the Geelong Cats AFLW best and fairest and handed out the fan MVP (most valuable player) award to Georgie Prespakis.”

AFLW player Mikayla Bowen with Bel Cini who has worked two seasons as a 'water girl' for the Geelong Football Club's AFLW team. Picture: Alison Wynd

Mr Moorfoot, who has Down syndrome, said he was glad to know he inspired his friend.

“Bel does a great job,” he said.

“I think she was inspired because she knows how much I love my job.”

Player Kate Darby said Ms Cini was now an integral part of the team.

“She’s brought a fresh sense of joy and excitement to the group,” Darby said.

“Her infectious energy is great and the smile she constantly has on her face when we come in and grab a drink between drills is always so sweet.

“You can tell she is just so stoked to be involved.

“We are lucky to have her.”

Darby said the Geelong Football Club had always had a strong inclusion policy.

“It’s a family club with a great culture, and we feel lucky to be involved in our community,” she said.

The forward thanked Bel for her hard work and said she could not wait for her to be running water again in the next season, kicking off on the last weekend of August.

Originally published as Geelong Cats women’s team embraces NDIS-supported ‘water girl’