WHEN some people bring up 50 appearances for a club there's a few smiles and some pats on the back, for others there's lots of laughs and even more beverages, but once every so often the milestone can mean so much more.
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That was the case on the weekend, as Singleton Roosters club president and Roosterettes coach and pioneer Nadene McBride ran onto the field for the 50th time in her beloved red and white.
It was an incredible moment for one of the women who help set up the team in the first place, and was arguably even more special as she is now seeing all of her work pay off with side in - you guessed it - first place.
McBride left the Maitland women's side six years ago to help build a team in Singleton, and her recruitment has been non-stop ever since.
Bree Howard, who was one of the other people involved in launching the Roosterettes, said her friend's work rate is something to behold.
"She's always recruiting, she never stops, it doesn't matter who she talks to she always talks about footy, she's very passionate," she stated.
"She's got so much experience, her footy brain is something to pick at.
"She's always there and knows what to say, she's always there to help, there's too many words to describe her, she's just amazing."
The milestone woman was honoured with a banner before the match, and even got teary during the post-game celebration as several teammates lined up to thank her for her contributions to not only the club, but the players too.
Much of the side is there as a result of that relentless recruiting Howard referred to, and their respect for her shows as a result.
Fortunately this season, the girls have been able to display their dedication too, and they secured another win on Saturday.
Taking on The Entrance Bateau Bay, they got off to a fast start and never looked back, defeating their opponents 64-9.
Kalani Bates was again brilliant, kicking three and thankfully for the home team coming back on after an injury in the third quarter forced her to be carried from the ground.
However, it was in fact Nadene's daughter Kyah who stole the show, scoring three goals in the first quarter and finishing with four for the game, in a performance which has seen her surge to third in the competition's scoring charts - just three behind Bates. After the match she acknowledged it felt special and said it was fantastic to see her mother get some recognition.
They play second-placed Lake Macquarie at Rose Point Park at 12 pm this Saturday.
