For as long as she can remember, Bel’s life has revolved around sport. Growing up tall, it seemed natural for her to dive into netball. And she did, with passion and commitment. But as life evolved, so did her journey in sport.
“After having children and feeling a bit in a rut, I thought I’d try something new,” Bel says. That “something new” was AFL, and it lit a fire in her. “I LOVE it! I’m still learning (and failing), but the team is amazing. I’m just starting my second season now and even play for the second team on the off weeks.”
While her days as a netball player may have shifted, Bel’s love for the sport hasn’t faded. It’s just transformed. Today, she’s coaching high school netball teams and finding deep fulfilment in passing on her knowledge and skills to the next generation.
“It’s so rewarding,” she says. “Sharing my experience with younger players is amazing.”
Bel’s passion for sport runs deep. “My family loves sport. We come from an AFL legacy,” she explains. “From a young age we tried everything: Little Aths, hockey, swimming… you name it, we did it.”
But for Bel, sport isn’t just about physical activity. It’s emotional release, creative expression, and mental strength.
“It’s a great outlet for your daily woes. You can channel your demons, your issues, and any negative thoughts into helping you succeed. I feel unstoppable when I go out to play.”
One of her proudest sporting moments came at a surprising time. “Before I had children, I ran a lot. I’d been training for a half marathon when I started feeling a bit off. Turns out, I was pregnant! I kept training, listened to my body, and I ran the half marathon at 12 weeks. I felt incredible. That moment still inspires me to this day. My daughter is now 11.”
As a coach, Bel has taken on formal leadership roles within her community. Last year she coached Year 7 and Intermediate teams, and this year she’s stepping up to lead the Senior squads.
“I’m inspired to learn more about coaching,” she says. “I’m taking on courses to better myself and hopefully one day take on a football coaching role.”
Bel’s commitment to women in sport is also deeply personal. Thanks to support from Hobsons Bay Council, she was given the opportunity to participate in Play Like a Girl’s Empowered to Lead program, an experience she says has been pivotal in her journey.
“I’m only just getting started in my leadership journey,” she says. “So watch this space!”
Joining the Empowered to Lead program gave Bel the push she was looking for.
“I wanted the reassurance and a team of women around me to embrace my ideas and thoughts,” she says.
What she found in the program went beyond her expectations. “I thought I’d just learn a few leadership basics and build a network. But it was so much more. I learnt so much about myself. How to back myself. How to follow my heart and my brain. I now know I’m my own biggest asset. I’m my own biggest cheerleader.”
One moment that stood out? “It was hearing how I’d grown from the other women in the program. I’ve always felt confident, but hearing that from others really made me feel tall. I’m proud of my growth, and I have so much gratitude for the group and for Holly.”
Today, Bel carries those lessons into her everyday life, particularly when navigating the complexities of coaching teenage athletes.
“Recently, I had try-outs for the senior netball team. A few girls approached me, asking to be picked as a friendship group instead of on skill. It would’ve been easy to agree, but I trusted my gut and picked based on skill and potential. It ruffled a few feathers, but I know I made the right call.”
She continues, “That’s the power of leadership. I know I have the ability to mentor and guide these girls to greatness. I’m their biggest advocate.”
Confidence, Bel says, is the biggest thing she’s taken from sport into life.
“I go into each day proud and tall, ready to advocate for myself and for women around me.”
She also values the importance of reflection and resilience. “I make sure I rest and reset between each challenge, so I don’t carry old stress into new situations. I stay focused on the end goal and get there with as little friction as possible.”
When asked what she’d like to see change in the world of women’s sport, Bel doesn’t hesitate.
“More acceptance and less questioning. Our thoughts and opinions are just as valid. I’d love to see a woman coach a men’s AFL team without any backlash. You don’t need to be the best player to be the best leader.”
And her own plans?
“I want to keep growing. Keep leading. Keep embracing new challenges and staying adaptable. I’m ready.”
“To me, it means to play naturally. Be yourself and be that badass you’re meant to be. Don’t change for anyone. You’re doing amazing as you are.”
Bel’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, trusting your instincts, and owning your space. Whether on the field, on the sidelines, or in everyday life, she’s proving that playing like a girl is a strength and a superpower.
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