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Sport

10 September, 2024

Rachel Phelan celebrates 200 games

While Lexton were eliminated on Sunday by Natte Bealiba, their finals campaign didn’t go without significant reward, with Rachel Phelan recently bringing up her 200th game in their semi-final win.

By Michael Thompson

Rachel Phelan celebrates 200 games - feature photo

While Lexton were eliminated on Sunday by Natte Bealiba, their finals campaign didn’t go without significant reward, with Rachel Phelan recently bringing up her 200th game in their semi-final win.

In those 200 games — which has coincided with Lexton’s journey in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League, Phelan has been one of the star goalshooters on a consistent basis, and added another 36 goals in the Tigers’ win over Carisbrook.

That kind of form over the years has seen her awarded multiple best and fairests, not just at club level, but also winning the Nalder Tracey Medal in 2021.

Interleague success has also been a part of her CV, as has premiership success in 2012.

Off the court, her work around the club as a past president and committee member has provided the Tigers with great impetus to continue as a regular contender, as attested by the Tigers’ presence in the preliminary finals of both A grade and senior football, and was rewarded with life membership in 2022.

Phelan, herself, says that winning last Saturday was a very satisfying achievement in her milestone game.

“Our aim was to win, and to top it off for the 200th was even better,” she said.

Phelan revealed that she will be taking a year off in 2025 as she travels around Australia with her family.

The understanding between herself, playing-coach Leesa Donhardt and celebrated centre Kimberley Roberts has been the forefront of Lexton’s success for so long, and it’s that dynamic which has helped the Tigers, according to Phelan.

“We’ve been playing together for a long time, so I feel we know where each other is going to go, so having that confidence of where we’ll be on the court helps,” she said.

Post-game last Saturday, Donhardt also added her praise for Phelan and their understanding in the goal circle.

“Rachel and I have been playing next to each other for a long time, and it’s good to be able to play with someone that you know so well and play so well with,” she said.

Once Phelan and her family return to Lexton in 2026, the fire will still be there to continue the family legacy.

“It’s special. We love the club. Our oldest is coming up through the juniors now, and our next one will eventually as well, but we love it. It’s such a family club, and the success does help. We’ve been very successful this year,” she said.

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