Keilor's Olivia Castello has been voted the Fernwood Fitness Women's Player of the Month for July, to cap an impressive individual month in what has been a challenging season for her club.
The 20-year-old has been the heartbeat of the Keilor side all year, named best player in 10 of her 14 appearances, including all three games in July in which she earned 10 per cent more of the vote than her nearest rival.
Castello went into Round 1 with barely two training sessions under her belt, managing three bulging discs in her back that ruled out any pre-season preparation.
"With our numbers and me being the way I am, I just want to get in as soon as I can," said the Blues star.
And the midfielder has not missed a game since. As the season progressed, so too has her influence on the scoreboard, in the contest, and in the dressing room.
Keilor has faced significant challenges with player availability all season, regularly fielding Under 19s in senior football. When fellow midfielder and captain Laura Wright departed overseas for the final five weeks, Castello was left to carry the engine room alone.
"I've had to step up a bit knowing she's away," Castello said.
"But I’m fitter now that I've played the whole season, and it's come together at the back end."
Head coach Giovanni Castello, Olivia's father, has watched his daughter shoulder that burden without complaint.
"She's been our in-and-under all year, there are no rotations through the middle," he said.
"She's on the ball 100 per cent of the time. She leaves it all out on the field, week in, week out - there's nothing left in the tank to give. We couldn’t have asked for anymore from her."
That determination has not gone unnoticed. Opposing players and coaches, week after week, have seen exactly what Castello brings to a side that refuses to go away quietly.
"We don't give up. We don't stop until that final siren," Castello said.
"Even if we're getting smashed by 60 points, if you've got a smile on your face it makes it more enjoyable. I always want to get that through the girls.”
That attitude has made her a natural leader, having captained Keilor's junior sides through multiple premierships before transitioning into the senior program.
Many of those same junior girls from her Under 19s squad are now playing up alongside her.
"It felt like old times," she said. "It was a pretty easy transition for them. I just say do what you can. We're just thankful there's numbers on the field."
Giovanni, who found out about the nomination through a teammate rather than social media, said the recognition is thoroughly deserved.
"She's a good quality person as well as a good quality player," he said. "Very deserving - especially for a team that's been through a really tough year."
With around eight Under 19 players set to come through next season, the future looks bright at Keilor. And Castello will be right at the centre of it.
As part of the award, Castello wins a customised training plan and a month's free membership to Fernwood Fitness.
Across this season so far, Fernwood Fitness has generated $3,650 directly back into local EDFL clubs, helping clubs raise valuable funds simply by encouraging their communities to prioritise their health and wellbeing.
This finals season, support your club while investing in your own wellbeing. For just $50, enjoy 30 days at Fernwood Fitness - including gym, group fitness, FIIT30, Reformer Pilates and recovery facilities - with 100 per cent of your payment going directly back to your nominated club.
