Team of the Decade: Kate Richardson
The final player to be selected to the women’s team of the decade is Kate Richardson.
Last but by no means least, Richo has played a touch over 160 games for MUSC – the most of any of the players selected to this team.
Richo joined the club in 2011 having played a limited amount of soccer prior to joining. Richo will always set herself the highest of standards and is often her harshest critic as she’s strived to improve her game over the years. She immediately set herself the task of playing in the State 1 team, which she achieved midway through her second season and after proving herself capable, her name stayed on the list till season end.
Hard working doesn’t go far enough to describe Richo’s dedication to playing for the State 1 team. Having developed her game as a fullback, she encountered difficult competition for that position in 2015; but there was a vacancy at centreback. So she reinvented her game to form a very effective partnership with Rach Bach where she was able to play the marking role, putting her body on the line to win tackles and headers. And playing her part in the team finishing 2nd on the ladder and beating rivals Ballarat in the grand final.
As a fullback Richo would spend her time across all thirds of the pitch, racing down the wing to spur an attacking move or dealing to the opposition winger with ease.
A leader on the field, Richo was selected as vice-captain of the seniors in 2019 (and has also held the reserves captaincy). She developed into one of the most vocal players on the pitch and set the standards for intensity, competitiveness, team work and work rate. It hasn’t been all plain sailing and we could all learn from Richo’s resilience and tenacious persistence to excel. Richo’s contribution to the club generally has been outstanding for all 10 seasons. From committee duties, doubling up to help other teams, and taking up coaching – the club sure is lucky to call her one of their own.
Her team mates and club mates have consistently recognised her on and off field efforts with Richo having won multiple players’ player awards including the only person in this team of the decade to have won the Maria Berry trophy.
An incredibly popular club mate and a photographer’s dream, congratulations Richo, you’re a star!