IT’S been a huge week for Mornington Junior Football Club player Rhiannon Rollo. Not only did she notch up 100 games on Sunday (21 July), an impressive feat for a 15-year-old in the fledging women’s footy code, but she has been named by Schnitz Mornington as their monthly “Local Legend”. Rhiannon has taken it all in her stride though, perhaps surprised she hadn’t reached her 100th game earlier belonging, as she does, to a family that is both footy mad and local footy royalty.
But it hasn’t all been easy for Rhiannon, who is in year 9 at Mornington Secondary College. Having lost her mother when she was a baby, she lost her father in May last year, and is now being raised by her 20-year-old sister Rochelle and 21-year-old brother Will.
“We grew up with football around us from the moment we were born,” said sister Rochelle. “Our grandmother was Pat Rollo and the Pine’s football ground is named after her.” “Then our dad. He was so passionate about footy and would always do goalie duties at one end when we were playing at Beleura Junior Football Club. So much so that there is a commemorative sign at that end of the ground. It is the ‘Stuart Rollo end’!”
Rhiannon started playing at age seven but couldn’t get onto a team until she was eight. From there it was playing with the boys for a few years before the first opportunities opened to play with the girls. While playing with Beleura, Rhiannon spent several seasons playing two games every Sunday; a factor in achieving her 100th game at such a young age.
Rhiannon got her “Legend” award for playing seven consecutive seasons for Beleura, and highlights included running out for the Beleura under 18’s at just 13-years-old. But everything was put on hold when her dad got sick. “After dad died in May last year, we thought it best to get Rhiannon back into footy. Back into what she loved,” said Rochelle. “We knew one of the coaches from Mornington Junior Football Club, Simon Zonneveldt, who used to coach at Beleura. He was a familiar face.” “The club were very welcoming and supportive, and helped Rhiannon get back on the field.”
Her 100th game on Sunday saw her run through a banner surrounded by her team-mates. But Rhiannon is humble about it. Keen to let her footy do the talking. “I feel it’s an honour. I don’t think many people get to 100 games at my age,” said Rhiannon. “Footy is second nature to me. I’ve done it all my life. I enjoy playing in the team, and I’ve made some good friendships along the way.” “I am grateful to have reached 100 games. And I did it without any major injury,” said Rhiannon, making a subtle dig at her sister Rochelle who is out of footy this year having done her ACL.
There is no doubt, talking to Rhiannon, that she looks up to her siblings for her football inspiration. “I go in for the ball. I put my body on the line. I learnt that from watching my sister and my brothers Will and Angus play.”
Adding to the achievement of 100 games was the news that Schnitz Mornington named Rhiannon as their “Local Legend”, nominated by MJFC, and presented her a $250 Rebel Sport gift voucher. “When we were looking for a worthy nominee, Simon put forward Rhiannon and the committee unanimously supported the nomination. We are so delighted to be partnering with Schnitz Mornington on this fabulous initiative.” club president Stewart Lockie said.
“This is exactly why we started the ‘Local Legends’ fund at Schnitz Mornington,” said Franchise owner Martin Catania.
“Working with local clubs we can identify kids that are doing great things but might need a helping hand. Rhiannon is our latest awardee, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Schnitz Mornington launched the “Local Legends” fund earlier this year. “We donate $1 from every schnitzel and chips we sell at Schnitz Mornington to the fund. We then nominate a monthly ‘Local Legend’,” said Martin. “We’ve had great feedback from the customers. They love that they can eat at our restaurant and help a young person in the community at the same time!”
Perhaps the last word should go to the coach of the under 16 Mornington Junior Football Club girls’ team, Simon Zonneveldt. “We are just so proud of Rhiannon and everything she has achieved. She shows up and she puts in 100%. What else could you want in a player?”
First published in the Mornington News – July 23, 2024
