From footy newbie to Canberra legend: Wally Wallett’s remarkable 200-game journey
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This weekend, something pretty special is happening on the footy fields of Canberra.
Hannah “Wally” Wallett will pull on the black and white stripes of the Belconnen Magpies for her 200th First Grade game – becoming the first woman in AFL Canberra history to reach this incredible milestone.
It’s the kind of achievement that makes you pause and appreciate just how remarkable our local sporting community really is. Fourteen seasons, countless early morning training sessions, and one unwavering love affair with Australian Rules Football have led to this moment.
“I never set out to reach 200 games,” Wally reflects with characteristic humility.
“I just kept showing up because I love playing footy with this group, at this club.”
And what a journey it’s been since that first game back in 2010, when she was just a teenager who’d never played the sport before.
The numbers tell an impressive story – two Club Best and Fairest awards, multiple seasons as AFL Canberra’s leading goal kicker, Life Membership, and even a stint in the inaugural AFLW season with GWS in 2016. But ask Wally about her proudest moment, and she’ll tell you about the 2020 Premiership, when the Magpies defeated the previously undefeated Queanbeyan Tigers in a Grand Final that had the whole club believing in magic.
“It’s more than the awards,” she explains. “It’s the friendships and the community that have made it all so meaningful.”
What’s perhaps most inspiring about Wally’s story is how she’s transformed from student to teacher. These days, she’s breaking new ground as the only woman coaching a First Grade women’s team in AFL Canberra, shaping the next generation of female footballers. She’s also serving as Assistant Coach for the AFL Canberra Women’s representative team in 2025.
The ripple effects of her influence extend far beyond the scoreboard. Countless teammates have benefited from her leadership, while young players coming through the junior pathways have seen what’s possible when dedication meets opportunity. Her recognition in both AFL Canberra and BMFC’s Teams of the Decade speaks to her sustained excellence, but it’s her role as mentor and trailblazer that truly sets her apart.
When the siren sounds this weekend and Wally jogs off after game number 200, she won’t just be celebrating a personal milestone. She’ll be cementing her place in the rich tapestry of Canberra sport – a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin with simply showing up and loving what you do.
For a city that prides itself on community spirit and giving everyone a fair go, Wally Wallett embodies the very best of what local sport can offer. Here’s to the next chapter of her remarkable story, and to all the young Canberrans who’ll follow in her footsteps.
