Darebin Falcons legend Lauren Arnell is set to reach her 200 game milestone tomorrow as the VFLW team take on Geelong. Lauren has returned to the Falcons for the 2019 VFLW season after playing the 2019 AFLW season with the Brisbane Lions.
Arnell’s AFLW journey began with Carlton in early 2016, where she played a vital role in the club’s successful bid for a place in the AFLW competition. She was crowned the first Captain of the Carlton Football Club for the inaugural 2017 season. After two years with the Blues, Arnell heading up North to the Brisbane Lions where she has been a strong leader and mentor for the team.
Lauren’s 200th game milestone has arrived after a decorated career in football. Having represented Victoria six times, was named in the All-Australian Team three times and one an incredible nine VWFL premierships with the Darebin Falcons. And prior to the AFLW, she also played in the Western Bulldogs’ team in all of the exhibition games.
Some more fun facts about Lauren Arnell (Loz):
- She is one of three triplets!
- Grew up on a cattle farm in Clarkefield, 46 kilometres northwest of Melbourne.
- Studied P.E at the University of Ballarat
- Works as AFL Victoria’s education and training manager.
Lauren Arnell has made a significant impact both on and off field and is highly regarded by her peers. And to celebrate this special occasion, we have gathered a few words:
Shevaun Hogan (2019 Line Coach / Player – Darebin Falcons)
“Congratulations on a massive achievement Loz. It has been a pleasure and an honour to play alongside you for so many years and watch you thrive in your football career. It’s great to have you back with us at Darebin this year to mark this special occasion. You are such a reliable and thoughtful footballer, an amazing teammate and friend. I hope you enjoy your 200th and thank you for all the fun times and great memories.”
Julia Chiera (2019 Line Coach / former Player & President – Darebin Falcons)
“Of all the players who have come through the Falcons over the last 30 years, if someone had to have a shot on goal after the siren to win the game, hands down I would want the ball in Loz Arnell’s hands.
Kate Tyndall (2019 Line Coach / former Player – Darebin Falcons)
“Absolutely loved playing with Loz. She reads the game like few, and her football smarts and class set her above the pack. She always had time for you when you wanted to learn more about the game and how you could improve. What a wonderful achievement to play 200 game; I was so lucky I got to share part of that journey with her! Congratulations Loz!”
Jane Lange (Former 2018 Head Coach / Player – Darebin Falcons, Assistant Coach – Melbourne FC AFLW)
“Loz Arnell, congratulations on your 200th game, what an achievement! I started off knowing you as a shaggy haired competitive bugger and it turns out you are still a competitive bugger; you just brush your hair more. Your football smarts have always been your weapon, often meaning you have more time and space to work your magic. I’d be hard pressed to find someone who loves a goal more than you (except maybe me!), and other teams have always needed to worry whenever you were lurking in the forward half. Well done on 200 games, you have made some amazing memories during that time. What a special moment to reach that milestone in your cultural colours of red, white and blue. Go well Arnell, you have a licence to snap from the boundary once or twice today.”
Stephanie Simpson (Player/Captain – Darebin Falcons)
“Congratulations on 200 Games to the one and only Lauren Arnell! An amazing footballer and even better team mate. Always pushing herself and her team mates to get the best out of themselves. I feel so lucky to have played alongside Lauren for so many years and create so many special memories. I am so proud of what Lauren has achieved and am very excited to run out alongside her for her 200th Game!”
Melissa Hickey (Former Player/Line Coach – Darebin Falcons, Captain – Geelong FC AFLW)
Ever since I walked in the door at Darebin Loz’s leadership and professionalism stood out to me. She was always there with instruction and encouragement and had such a unique insight into the game that not many others had. Loz has had an incredible career to date and has contributed so much to not only the Falcs but to women’s footy, I wish I could be out there with her for her 200th game but have so many fond memories of playing alongside her and sharing some incredible grand finals together!
Darcy Vescio (Former Player – Darebin Falcons, 2019 Player – Carlton FC AFLW)
A special video message for Loz…
From everyone at the Darebin Women’s Sport Club, we would like to congratulate Loz on this amazing achievement. We are so glad you’re a Falcon and are so proud of everything you have done for women’s football.
Image: Courtesy of She Scores. Visit: https://www.instagram.com/she.scores/