Earlier this month, Brunswick Zebras FC marked a monumental occasion, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their first senior women’s team. Past and present members came together to share stories and honor the trailblazing women who paved the way for future generations.
The event featured a lively Q&A session chaired by current Women’s Captain Ella Fusca, with insights from Laura Lana, former coach Paul Connolly, team stalwart Sue Giles, and Annalivia Carli-Hannan. They recounted their pioneering days, from historic tours to Italy to overcoming challenges in a male-dominated sport.
Club President Carlo Carli praised the evening as a "wonderful night" of celebration and gratitude. "Big thanks to all who made it possible, and to our partners at Oliva Social for their generous hospitality," he said.
Laura Lana and her former juniors and seniors' teammates were on hand to tell of their historic playing tour of Italy in the late 90s, and also their fighting spirit against the resistance they endured in their playing days as the poor cousins to the male teams.
Club President Carlo Carli said it was a "wonderful night" in which the Club was able to honour the trailblazers, celebrate achievements, and raise a toast to the past, present and future of women’s football at Brunswick Zebras.
"Big thanks to all who made it possible, and also to our partners at Oliva Social for their generous hospitality on the night," he said.
The night also highlighted the club's continuous progress, including the recent completion of a new pavilion at Sumner Park. This state-of-the-art facility includes four female-friendly changing rooms, a referee change room, and a first aid room, all meeting Football Victoria standards. The project, costing $1.1 million, was funded by Merri-bek City Council, the State Government, and Club-raised funds.
Carlo Carli reflected on the club’s pioneering role in women’s football in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. "We’re a bit of a pioneer in the northern suburbs. Women’s football has grown significantly here, and the new facilities will support the increasing interest among women and girls, especially inspired by the Matildas' recent success."
Brunswick Zebras FC has a proud history of developing talent, with three Matildas and several junior Matildas among their ranks. In 2024, the club boasts around 650 registered players, a quarter of whom are women and girls, supported by 30 women in coaching, management, and volunteer roles.
Former Matildas Louisa Bisby and Melissa Barbieri, both Zebras players in their developmental phase, are testaments to the club's enduring legacy in women’s football.
The Zebras enjoyed initial success, winning the Women's Premier League Championship in 1996, which they defended the following year. Along with Bisby and Barbieri, the team also featured Matilda Nicky Leitch and Victorian stalwart and Gold Medal winner Daniela Digiammarco, and future state team representatives Gabriella Angelucci, Natalie Bruzzese and Joanne Satler.
Nicky Leitch said that the Zebras team of that era had a lot of fun. “It was great to play with some really talented young players”, she said. “We challenged the established, traditionally powerful clubs and tried to wrestle the top spot away from them. Our rivalry with Berwick City was really intense. They had some top players, including internationals like Jane Oakley and Debbie Nichols so it was a great test for our youngsters.”