In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting people that have been a driving force behind women’s sports at St Mary’s.
To kick off, we’re talking to Jessie Bickerton, current Senior Women’s Team Manager and Football Manager, committee member, former player, unofficial Club photographer and much, much more.
Growing up, Jess was always immersed in the world of sports, so when St Mary’s first floated the idea of a Senior Women’s footy team, she jumped at the chance to play knowing the transformative impact sports had on women.
Regrettably, the women’s team faced setbacks, leading to a year-long hiatus. However, when Jess’ daughter Maddie showed keen interest in joining the team after seeing her mum’s positive experience at St Mary’s, Jess and her husband went straight to the President to garner support to re-ignite the women’s program. Their vision was not merely about football; it was about creating a space where all women could enjoy the benefits of team sport.
Despite their passion, it wasn’t always easy due to many misconceptions that often-deterred women from playing senior football. Jess noticed how girls often built-up intimidating images of opponents as tough and scary, when, in reality, the opponents mirrored their own team. Some women were also intimidated by the close relationship with the men’s sides at the Club. However, Jess explained these fears quickly dissipate when they realise the men are there for the same reason as them.
“The culture shift within the Club has been remarkable; the women’s team has brought a whole different dynamic that everyone has benefitted from.”
“The mutual support between the men and the women is incredible and truly illustrates that at our core we are one Club. It’s the shared sense of purpose that allows all players regardless of gender to thrive at St Mary’s.”
However, this doesn’t mean women’s football isn’t still facing challenges. Senior Women’s teams are often relegated to smaller and sub-standard grounds with Senior and Junior men’s teams getting preferential treatment, reflecting a broader societal issue of the undervaluation of women’s sports. This is one thing Jess would love to see changed, acting as a tangible step toward giving women equal respect and value in the sporting arena.
Anyone who has met Jess knows that the pride she feels for the women’s team is palpable.
“Watching this group of diverse women be each other’s biggest supporters is a deeply fulfilling experience. Such support is unfortunately uncommon, but it is unmistakably evident in our team.”
The pinnacle was undoubtably winning the Grand Final last season, fulfilling a team goal they set in 2021, but Jess also described admiration in moments that may go unnoticed by anyone else.
A standout memory was during a challenging game against Fitzroy Stars. St Mary’s was trailing by 4 points in the shocking weather conditions. One of the less confident players was given a free kick, with time running out, she went for a goal which won St Mary’s the game. Watching every single teammate run to her to celebrate was described by Jess as “the most amazing feeling” because it showed the essence of the team.
“These women don’t judge each other based on football ability. They rally around each other because they recognise and appreciate that they’re all great people.”
“It’s this type of culture and support that has always fuelled their determination and led to them winning our first Women’s Grand Final.”
For Jess, being involved in women’s footy has been an enriching experience, attesting that there are no drawbacks to getting involved in grassroots womens sport – only rewards.
“The sense of accomplishment you feel knowing that you are part of women succeeding together, lifting each other up and creating long-lasting friendships is incredible.”
“I am very proud that we have created a safe space for women to give footy a go, but equally proud that we’ve made it much more than the game itself. St Mary’s is a place where everyone is free to be themselves, and many women are drawn to it for this reason.”
Jess herself cites the incredible women she wouldn’t have met if it wasn’t for footy, and describes having a diverse group of women supporting you in life as a “pretty great feeling.”
As such, her commitment to women’s football is unwavering, and Jess will always continue to advocate for the needs of the women’s program.
Her advice to those considering starting a women’s team – “Just do it!” Despite the occasional sleepless nights and tears, Jess reassures that the stress of getting a team up is undeniably worth it.
Through Jess’s efforts, St Mary’s has become more than a place where women go to play footy; they find a supportive community that celebrates everyone.
Jess has been instrumental in shaping women’s football at St Mary’s, and we know that her impact will be felt for years to come and continue to inspire more women to get involved in footy.
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