It took a bit of convincing Gisborne’s Natalie Dowdy she had been named AFL Goldfield’s division 2 best and fairest winner on Friday night.
Unable to attend the awards ceremony due to coaching basketball, it was Dowdy’s teammates who broke the news to her that she had won.
“It was a bit of a shock,” she said.
“I thought all the girls were joking when they told me I had won it. I thought they were pulling my leg.
“It was only when the coach told me I believed it.”
Dowdy polled 15 votes to finish three votes clear of Carisbrook’s Erin-Rose Kvalheim, despite missing some games with injury and basketball commitments.
Most weekends, Dowdy juggled playing football with Gisborne and playing Big V women’s division 2 for Wallan.
Both sides are playing finals at the moment. This weekend she’ll play game one of the Big V division 2 grand final series on Saturday night, before playing in Gisborne’s semi final on Sunday.
“It’s been tough and a bit frustrating at times trying to be there for both teams,” Dowdy said.
“I can’t be in two places at the same time.
“Both coaches and the playing groups have been really supportive and understand.”
Dowdy said this year is going to be her last year playing Big V basketball, allowing her to focus on playing football next year.
She only returned to the football field this year.
“I grew up playing football at the Mornington Peninsula and played until I was 14 and wasn’t allowed to play anymore.
“I then just played school football up until year 12. I just focused on basketball and tennis.
“I’m going to keep playing football next year. I’ve always enjoyed playing it.”
