Since her debut in 2018 when the VFLW team was formed, Katie Lee has been a consistent and reliable part of the team.

Being part of the 2019 VFLW Premiership team and with various leadership roles along the way, Lee has played a huge role in the VFLW program.

Growing up in the Mornington Peninsula, Lee was a sporty kid who mainly focussed on soccer from a young age.

Playing for the Casey Comets and Bayside United in the WNPL, Lee had a serious talent in soccer. Her position in the backline begun in soccer but was translated to football when she made the switch. 

Her first experience playing football was with Collingwood, and she has not looked back since. Turning up to the Rookie trials Collingwood held in 2018, Lee gave footy a red hot crack and it has paid off.

Lee, a vice-captain for the last two years and previously a deputy vice-captain, has played a big role in the VFLW side since her debut.

Four years down the track and 50 games later, Lee loves everything about the game.

“Turning up to my first training at Collingwood, everyone was so encouraging, it was just amazing. The culture that footy has is incredible; it is literally like a little family”, Lee said.

For Collingwood in particular, it has been the culture of the team that has kept her around.

“Even over the years when the team has slightly changed, that culture has travelled through the whole time. All the girls have been always been so welcoming, I always feel so a t home when I’m here” Lee said.

“All the staff have been incredible too. When I started playing, I looked up to Penny Cula-Reid (inaugural coach) so much and then when Chloe took over, she was just so approachable; she became like a friend instantly. All the staff around have all helped me in some way since I began” Lee said.

Being the first player to play all VFLW games at Collingwood is a huge milestone, attesting to both the club and Lee’s character.

“Every year, the belief that all the coaching staff have in me has kept me at the Pies, as well as building the relationships that I have with the girls along the way”, Lee said.

Throughout her career at the Pies, one game stands out like no other. In 2019, Collingwood were victorious in the 2019 Grand Final, and Lee played a big role in that.

“Nothing has ever come close to that moment; it was pretty special. It was an absolute dream come true”, Lee said.

Looking into the future, Lee hopes to take her footy to the next level and hopefully become drafted into the AFLW.

While having an absolutely brilliant season so far, Lee is focused on the team goals which ultimately will make her a better player at the same time.

Lee believes the team has it in them to have another successful year.

“We’ve got it in us. It’s just the belief; we just have to keep grinding and taking it week by week which will be the biggest focus for us” Lee says.

Congratulations to Katie Lee for making history as the first women’s player to play 50 games for the Collingwood Football Club.

Collingwood’s VFLW team will take on Essendon in round nine tomorrow, Saturday 23 April 1.30pm at The Hangar.