The night that stands out for retiring Habib
RETIRING veteran Alisha Habib played in six state-level premierships but there is one enduring memory that stands out among all others.
“Probably, out of my whole career, when we played here against Carlton, a night game (an AFL curtain-raiser this year), just looking around and playing in front of so many people,” the Geelong VFLW forward said yesterday.
“To come from behind and win that game, when the final siren went, I stood back and thought, ‘you know what, this is probably one of the ultimate highlights of my career’.
“Standing in front of thousands of people and winning for this amazing club in the proud hoops jumper, that was probably the highlight.
“Coming in to reflect and sing the song, I stood back and watched the girls embrace the song and enjoy the moment, I just felt that was one of the highlights of my career.”
Habib, 36, has called time on a two-decade career after her growing work opportunities no longer allowed her to commit to VFLW training.
Known for her passion and exuberant goal celebrations, she described her time in footy as the best years of her life and hoped to stay involved in a coaching capacity.
It started at the Corio She Devils as a 16-year-old and included five consecutive premierships in a seven-year dynasty at Darebin under Peta Searle.
Habib then moved to North Geelong and achieved more success as the Magpies blazed a trail for local female footballers through the vision of her brother and club president Jason Habib.
With the recent explosion of AFLW, she cannot help but wonder what her career may have looked like if she was 10 years younger. But she feels a deep sense of gratitude to the Cats for giving her a go at VFLW level at 35.
“Last year, walking through the doors and (coach) Paul Hood giving me that opportunity to play at the elite level, I felt quite honoured,” she said.
“Who would have thought, at 35, I would be playing elite football and walking through the doors and pulling on the hoops?
“I just feel really privileged. Brian Cook gave me the opportunity to walk through the doors, I just felt honoured.”