SWFLW 2023: Harvey Bulls captain Rachel ‘Shep’ Wright humbled by honour of WA State Country selection

Although she appears to be a leading contender for this year’s Nola Marino Medal, Harvey Bulls skipper Rachel Wright always keeps her feet firmly on the ground. So when receiving word from WA State Country women’s coach Gemma Harrison that she was selected in Sunday’s clash against the WA State 18s at Optus Stadium, Wright was humbled by the call up. “I’m so privileged to be selected in the State country team,” Wright said. “There are so many talented girls across WA, so to have the opportunity to wear the black and gold is pretty special. “Playing representative football is a really unique experience — you’re in a team with girls that you’ve met once and never trained with — yet when you all step out on to the football field, it’s like you’ve known each other for ages and you’d have their back in a heartbeat.” Affectionally known as “Shep”, a nickname generated from her maiden name prior to marriage, Wright began her SWFL women’s career with the Collie Eagles. When the Eagles were unable to field a team due to insufficient numbers, several Eagles players joined the Bulls, who offered them a place to play until the Eagles returned. However Wright loved her time at the Harvey Recreation Ground so much, she’s never left, although the Eagles have a shelf in her memories. “Collie will always be the place that I started my career and I have so much love for the girls that I used to play alongside,” she said. “But Harvey is the club where I have been able to grow so much as a footballer. “This is my fourth season playing for Harvey and it does feel like home to me. Not only do I love my teammates there, but the club is one of the most supportive of women’s football in the league — and I definitely felt this the minute I went to my first training back in 2020.” Wright is hopeful the Bulls can go all the way in 2023 when club action returns, however irrespective of how they finish, leading her teammates fills her with pride. “It’s an honour,” she said. “And to be able to lead this team out every week with Bec (Rebecca Fry) and (Michelle) Mullins is one I hold proudly. We have the best bunch of girls who are so talented which makes my leadership role easy.”