KATHRYN “Foxy” Bechaz never imagined reaching 400 netball games playing for the one club.
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“Never in a million years” were the words chosen by Bechaz when asked if she thought the day would ever game for her to take to the court to play her 400th game for the Leeton-Whitton Crows.
Bechaz started playing in 1996 and said starting her career later than most is probably what has helped her continue on now.
“I didn’t start playing until I was at university, so I think that’s probably got a bit to do with why I’m still playing in terms of injuries and my body still being able to handle it,” she said.
Her record is an impressive one.
I'm a loyal person and I love the Crows.
- Kathryn "Foxy" Bechaz
Not only has she recorded premierships with the club, but she has also coached younger sides to grand final glory, as well as coaching other grades throughout the years.
The number of A grade games she has played for Leeton-Whitton is a club record.
“I’m pretty proud of it all,” Bechaz said.
“To do it for the one club is a pretty good feeling.
“I'm a loyal person and I love the Crows.”
Last year Bechaz was part of the premiership winning A reserve side, which she was also co-captain of.
This year she is the A reserve captain and leading the side out on her home court on Saturday will be a memory she keeps close for many years to come.
“To be able to do it at home is just awesome … and against Turvey Park too, we’ve got a good rivalry with them,” she said.
“I’m really enjoying still playing. What’s really great for me now and the last season or so is playing with these younger juniors who I have previously coached. I love being able to impart any sort of wisdom I can to them.”
When asked about the possibility of retirement within the near future, Bechaz said she had thought about it.
“I don’t think I will ever officially retire … I’ll probably step back from playing full-time within the next year or so because Luke (her son) will be starting to play footy,” she said.
“I think if teams were ever short, I’d definitely put my hand up to fill in if needed.”
Playing honours
- A grade best and fairest: 1999 (runner-up 1997, 2005, 2012, 2013)
- A reserve/B grade best and fairest: 2001, 2007
- A grade league B&F: 3rd 1996
- Premiership player: 2009 (A grade, bench player), 2007 (B grade and captain), 2017 (A reserve and co-captain)
- RFL senior representative side: 1996-2000, 2006, 2013
- Roz and Bruce Fraser coaches player of the season: 2008, 2011 (The only player to receive award twice)
- Team of the Decade: 2005 (named co-captain), 2015
- A grade players’ player: 1999
- A reserve/B grade players’ player: 2006
- Awarded most consistent, best in finals and coach’s awards numerous times
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