Carly Res had almost given up hope of playing her 100th milestone match for the Queanbeyan Tigers when the coronavirus crisis delayed the AFL Canberra competition's start.
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And just when her dream dared to come to fruition, a weekend of wild weather pushed the milestone match back another week.
Res will become the fourth Tigerette to join the prestigious 100 game club when Queanbeyan meet the ladder-leading Eastlake Demons at Football Park on Saturday.
The premiership captain follows the likes of Hannah Dunn, Lani Watson and Kirsten Argent, who's journey inspired her to achieve the milestone.
"The girls ahead of me have been a massive inspiration for me to want to reach that milestone," Res said.
"I was a bit hesitant whether I would actually get it this year, with COVID and everything.
"It feels pretty amazing to do it, especially with a club that is like a family to me as well, it's just incredible. Yeah, very excited."
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Res has won four premierships with the Tigers since her 2012 debut, as well as being named the club's best and fairest in 2015.
She joined the club after a successful netball career in Queanbeyan, and has to thank former teammate and Gold Coast Suns star Dunn for her transition to AFL.
"Hannah Dunn actually approached me one day at the gym, we went to the same gym, and she asked me if I wanted to play football. I said yes, and it went from there," Res said.
"She's kicking goals and she's just such an amazing player to watch, and to be able to have the chance to play beside her for all those years is a pretty cool feeling.
"She's just such a humble person and has helped me definitely with my football as well."
With the rise of AFLW and further opportunities for girls to play football, it was only a matter of time until we saw significant improvement in the women's competition.
Res says it's exciting to watch the development of the girls at the Tigers, and a switch to the coaching ranks could be on the cards.
"It's pretty amazing to watch the development, especially these days girls are starting at such a young age, so they're skill and their knowledge of the game is next level when they do reach 18's (Rising Stars) and the senior level," she said.
"To be a part of that as well and drive that, it's quite rewarding to be honest. I'm getting to that stage where I'm questioning whether I start looking at helping with coaching and stuff like that.
"Just to watch the talent coming through is unreal."
Queanbeyan will look to claim their fifth consecutive win this weekend against Eastlake, who have also enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season.
AFL CANBERRA ROUND SEVEN
Saturday: Eastlake Demons v Queanbeyan Tigers at Football Park - Men's 12.10pm, Women's 3pm. Ainslie Tricolours v Belconnen Magies at Alan Ray Oval - Men's 1.35pm, Women's 4pm. Gungahlin Jets v Tuggeranong Valley at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval - Men's 1.35pm, Women's 4.30pm.
