Mum’s The Word as Swans Defender Celebrates Milestone

Lauren Osborne can thank her Mum for playing a special role in helping her reach 200 games with Swan Districts.

As a 6-year-old Osborne wanted to join Auskick but her introduction to football was met with resistance.

“The boys from school said girls can’t play footy, but when I told Mum she said that I absolutely can and took me down to sign up at the Morley Bulldogs.

It took a little while to earn the respect from the boys, but once I did, they always had my back,” Osborne said.

It launched a career which has produced four League Premierships, Under 18 All Australian selection in 2011, the 2012 McSherry Medal and Life Membership at Swans in 2019.

“I’m pretty proud of my life membership, which is the ultimate reward for my dedication to the club,” Osborne said.

The 29 year-old has few regrets, but one stands out.

“My worst moment personally was missing out on getting drafted the year West Coast entered the AFLW.

I’d had a pretty good season and with a few spots up for grabs, I thought I may have had a chance,” Osborne said.

At the weekend, Osborne celebrated her 200th match for the black and whites with a 49-point win over Subiaco in Round 4 of WAFLW.

Osborne, a regular defender, finished with 17 disposals and even pushed forward to kick the last goal of the game.

“I think I’m heading towards the end of my playing career, but hopefully I’ve got a few more seasons left in me.

If I’m not playing, I’d like to get involved in some form of coaching or development,” Osborne said.

She has high hopes for the future of Women’s Footy.

“I’d like to see our game get a similar level of support that the men’s do with large crowds.

I think there’s more awareness of our game now and it’s such a growing sport in terms of participation.

Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Osborne will play game number 201 when she runs out against Peel Thunder in a Grand Final re-match this Sunday at Steel Blue Oval.