Lions Skipper Celebrates Major Milestone in StyleWednesday, April 19, 2023 - 9:31 AM - by Mark Readings

IN her third year as Subiaco skipper, Tarni Golisano has been part of a remarkable transformation in women’s football.

The Lions leader has seen the game in WA grow year on year, and in the wake of her 150th match she reflected on her journey.

“Playing 150 games of womens football has been an incredible journey which has seen me grow as a person, as an athlete and as a leader," she said.

"I’ve enjoyed being part of women’s football over 12 years and the changes have been huge.

"When I first began playing the AFLW was not on the radar, but now there’s a strong path for women."

Golisano enjoyed a dominant performance on her milestone day, collecting 29 disposals and kicking a goal in the Lions 57 point win over East Perth.

“Surrounding myself with my teammates and playing my 150th game at Leederville was special," she said.

"Securing the win with the girls was the icing on the cake and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

I" played most of the game in the midfield before coach Farmer asked me to head into the forward line with around five to six minutes to go in the fourth.

"I kicked a goal late in the game, which was an awesome feeling, but I have to thank my teammates for getting the ball down to me."

Born into a football family, Golisano always had a passion for the game.

“My whole childhood I grew up around football," she said.

"My dad played for Subiaco back in the day as well as both my brothers.

"I used to kick the footy out the back with my family but never had the time to play it myself, as I was busy with my dancing and competitive swimming.

"In saying that, there also weren’t many girls playing and it was the era when girls had to play with the boys. When I began high school there was a schoolgirls team (Years 10-12 students only).

"I begged the PE teachers to let me join the side as an “underage player”. From there it was a domino effect and my footy career began."

Golisano started playing WAFLW, formerly known as WAWFL, in 2011.

“As I’m sure you can imagine, the growth within the sport has been massive. When I began playing there were no female junior competitions, which are now huge across Australia," Golisano said.

"The participation numbers across women’s football have skyrocketed and made it one of the biggest growing sports.

"Now as a teacher at a school with an AFL program, students are able to select football as a subject which is just incredible for the sport.

 "I am really proud and honoured to have been able to watch it grow so quickly over the past 12 years."

 Chasing an elusive WAFLW Premiership, Tarni’s team is fourth leading into Round 7.

“We’re really excited to face Peel this weekend. We’ve had a mixed bag of results so far this season, however, we’ve been working hard on the track and have no doubt that our best is yet to come," she said.

"With a relatively new side we’re learning how one another plays and trying to develop some cohesion within the team. Being in the top four is a great feeling, however, we know we need to work hard to maintain that position."

 Subiaco plays the Thunder at Lane Group Stadium at 3pm on Saturday.