By Hayley Wildes
Players don’t play 23 years of senior football without being consistent, hardworking and possessing a real love for the game.
After starting her senior career at Parkdale at 17-years-of-age, Robinson has barely missed a beat and the key defender, who can lock down on the best forwards in the competition, loves the game now as much as ever.
“I’m still enjoying it, the body is a bit sore now obviously now that I’m older, but I’m still really enjoying it,” Robinson said.
Her ability to beat opponents one-on-one – whether that be by winning the contest with a big grab or halving the contest by bringing the ball to ground with a strong defensive punch – Robinson just knows how to get the job done.
On Saturday, she played a key role in defence as Cranbourne defeated St Kilda by 18 points, 5.6 (36) to 2.6 (18).
After playing 186 games for Parkdale, the club folded and Robinson joined Cranbourne. Life as an Eagle has certainly been a good one, highlighted by winning the 2015 VWFL Division 1 premiership.
That win, which saw Cranbourne run over Knox in the final quarter to claim a thrilling one-point win, is Robinson’s lone grand final victory in four attempts.
“Cranny has been amazing, I love it here and I’ve had some success here too which is nice,” she said.
While that win was one to savour, Robinson points to the opportunity of playing on the hallowed turf of the MCG as her career highlight.
Representing Victoria Metro, Robinson pulled on the Big V with pride and playing in a curtain-raiser before her beloved Carlton Blues was something to behold.
“Playing on the MCG in a Vic Country and Vic Metro game before Carlton played Collingwood – that was a while ago and it was definitely a highlight,” she said.
“Debbie Lee was playing, Meg Hutchins was playing, even Mick Malthouse’s daughter, Christie was playing – it was amazing to be a part of.”
With 300 games under her belt, Robinson has seen it all in women’s football, but she’s not content.
She wants another premiership medal and with Cranbourne boasting an undefeated record after four rounds in Division 2 of the South East Women’s Football competition, this might be the year she adds another achievement to an already esteemed resume.
“We’re second on the ladder and everyone is really getting around each other and playing really well together, so it’s been good,” she said.
And on the topic of hanging up the boots, Robinson isn’t looking too far ahead.
“I’ll play out this season and see what happens after that.”
No matter how many more games Robinson laces her boots up for, there’s no doubting that her place in local women’s football history is already solidified.
