The last remaining member of the Tasmanian Roar – the states’ first national women’s cricket side – is set to end a 12-year career in her home state with the guarantee of a two-year deal and more playing time for Victoria too good to pass up.

While she leaves with a mixture of emotions and the best of memories, her journey from eager youngster in the competition’s worst side to respected veteran in a three-time WNCL championship team is one that dreams are made of.

And while a modest Moloney refers to her impact in where the Roar started to what the Tigers have become as “just a small part”, there’s no doubt her legacy is one that will remain a part of the fabric of Bellerive Oval long after she walks out for the final time.

“There’s so many people that have been such a big part of this organisation and I do feel grateful and fortunate enough to have played a small part in it,” Moloney said.

“Even pre-Tassie entering the WNCL, there was some unbelievable cricketers and people that put in so much time and effort with limited resources just to get us to a point where we could enter a team, and to me they’re the ones that deserve most of the recognition.

“It’s nice to think that I’ve played a small part but it is a small part and there’s so many people that have put time and effort in to get this organisation to get it where it is today.”

Making her debut some two seasons after Tasmania first entered the Women’s National Cricket League, the former captain was just one of two former Roar players that played in the Tigers historic first title win back in March 2022.

Moloney, Corinne Hall and coach Salliann Beams were all a part of both programs while inaugural Roar player Emma Thompson was also a member of the Tigers squad but was on maternity leave and Emily Smith didn’t make the final side.

“I think it’s hard to go past the first WNCL title that Tassie won,” Moloney said when asked of her best memories.

“I probably never thought that it would happen in my career. That Tassie would make a final, be able to host it and then to win that at home was really special. It was still a Covid affected season and we were away from home for a long period of time and it felt like everything that could have been thrown at us, was, and we managed to work through it as a team and come away with that win, so that was a really special moment for me.

“But then to go three in a row, it’s pretty unbelievable really. There’s not many people that can say they’ve won three WNCL titles and to do that in consecutive years is a pretty amazing achievement for the team.”

Beams is just one individual within the four walls that Moloney developed a close relationship over her time and while her own humble nature wouldn’t allow her to speak more highly of the clear impact she’s made, the Tigers current General Manager of High Performance knows the respect Moloney has earned across her time is both vast and wide.

“Sasha’s legacy goes beyond what she did for us on the field,” Beams said.

“She will be sorely missed by our squad and the greater Tasmanian cricket family.”

After making the impact she did, it’s no surprise Tasmania were keen to keep Moloney apart of their ranks but with the Tigers holding arguably the most experienced squad in the competition, she understands the need for change would have seen her not play as regularly as she would have liked had she decided to stay.

“I completely respect that decision and I’m really grateful that (Tigers coach) Jude (Coleman) had that conversation with me as early as possible, basically saying they’re going to look towards the future,” she said.

“We’ve had a good run with the current playing group and I completely understand that we have had a bit of an older squad, so it is time for younger players to come through and get more opportunities.”

While many may walk out a situation like one she was faced with ill-will or anger, it couldn’t be further from the truth for the 31 year-old who is both grateful for what’s been but excited at what’s still to come.

“There’s definitely no hard feelings there and I’m really grateful that they were honest and upfront with me,” Moloney said.

“I’m grateful for all the opportunities that I’ve been provided with from Cricket Tasmania but I’m excited for the new opportunity and new chapter.

“It’s definitely the people that I’m going to miss most and the organisation as a whole.”