Van Oorschot’s 200 games of passion and perseverance

FOR someone who has been quietly putting in the hard yards on the footy field since she was fifteen years old, Bec Van Oorschot’s two-hundredth game was anything but low key or quiet.

The dependable Redan defender notched up the milestone on the biggest stage of them all in last Sunday’s BFLW grand final against Darley.

While it wasn’t to be their day, with the Devils emerging as 21-point victors, the Lions community still got around their trusty teammate and warrior.

A two-club player, Van Oorschot’s first 74 games were played at North Ballarat Eagles in the former Victorian Women’s Football League, where she featured in the open team at 15, and until the team folded.

After a few seasons off with work commitments, she resurfaced at Redan in 2016, where she has become renowned for bringing grit, leadership and a whole lot of heart to every game.

She is instantly recognisable on the field because of the helmet she has worn for almost the entirety of her playing days.

Never one to chase the spotlight, Van Oorschot has built her career on hard work, consistency and a deep love for the game.

Her teammates know her as someone you can always count on; tough on the field, humble off it, and totally committed to the team.

Van Oorschot has played in two premierships for Redan; in 2018 against East Point in the AFL Goldfields competition and in 2022 against fierce rival Darley in what was the inaugural season of the BFLW competition.

More than just a defender, she has has kicked 129 goals across her 200 games, including an equal season-high of 19 in the Lions’ 2022 premiership year.

Van Oorschot’s milestone was one of three for Redan players on grand final day.

Winger Ingrid Duffy clocked up 150 games, while the Lions’ courageous captain Rose Russell notched up 50 games.

Russell and Duffy were named among the official best players for Redan along with Lauren Drabsch, Carly Twaits, Madison Hayes and Chantelle Whiting.