Eastlake is proud to announce that Rohana Prince will reach this milestone on Saturday when she runs out with the Women's team for the preliminary final against Queanbeyan. We caught up with "Rocky" to get her thoughts on her time with Eastlake.
EFC: What do you remember about your first senior game for Eastlake?
Rohana Prince (RP): I don't remember all that much about my first game to be honest (it was 12 years ago), but I do remember people being surprised that I could play. I joined the women's team when I was 14. Everyone else was 25-ish and I think I surprised a few of them when they saw I could kick.
EFC: How did you feel leading up to the game?
RP: I remember being excited leading up to the game because we'd had such a long preseason and I was so keen to finally play. I had thought I was going to have to give up AFL, having had to stop playing on the boys' team, so I was very excited to continue playing footy. We also had a great coach - Nathan Costigan - who was very encouraging so he made footy a lot of fun and got me to believe in myself.
EFC: What are your thoughts on playing your 150th senior game for the club?
RP: I feel very lucky to be getting to this point because I don't think I could have played 150 games for a better club. My dad picked Eastlake for me and convinced them to let me have a go. Since then Eastlake has been like a second family for me, and I think that's the reason I've stuck around for so long. The support of my parents and partner has also been important and much appreciated over my 150 games. There's hardly a game when Dad isn't patrolling the sidelines or Mum isn't yelling "ball" at the umpire!
EFC: You have aspirations to play in the AFLW, what would it mean to you to fulfil that dream?
RP: It would be incredible to play in the AFLW. My grandparents moved to Australia in 1958 and chose Collingwood as their team, starting a family obsession with AFL that continues to this day. Being able to play the game they loved is a privilege for me, and to play it at the highest level possible would be amazing.
EFC: What is your favourite Eastlake memory?
RP: There are quite a few to choose from! I do still remember the excitement of winning my first premiership. The game had it all - rain, thunder, sunshine, I kicked a goal, I gave away a 50m penalty...It was a pretty memorable day!
EFC: How would you summarise your Eastlake career up to now?
RP: My time at Eastlake has been filled with good friends and great footy. The women's team has a great culture and I'm glad to see it's continued the whole time I've been involved. I don't think there's a better team in Canberra to play for.
Eastlake Women vs Queanbeyan Women at Stirling Oval, Saturday 26th August at 9:45am
Last Modified on 25/08/2017 12:56