Sport
24 September, 2025
Keeping community spirit alive important for best Knight
The St Arnaud centre brought home her fifth North Central Hockey Association women’s title at the end of the home and away season.
WINNING a league best and fairest isn’t a new accolade for Brylea Knight.
The St Arnaud centre brought home her fifth North Central Hockey Association women’s title at the end of the home and away season.
But she says awards like this never feel like hers, but the club’s.
“One player doesn’t make a team successful,” Knight said.
“There are so many amazing women taking to the field every Saturday that I get to work with, I couldn’t do it without them.
“Although this is an individual award, it is a reflection on what a great team I am lucky to be a part of.”
She said despite not getting another premiership on the board this year - after St Arnaud narrowly lucked out against Calder United 1-1 - the medal was a nice surprise.
“I don’t play for the awards and I certainly didn’t expect this one,” she said.
“There were plenty of amazing women getting votes that night, any of them could have come out on top.
“I am thankful for the recognition though.”
Knight said it’s not just a team for her, it’s a family.
“Our club is very family orientated and inviting, I never once had an issue this year with someone always more than happy to watch my own kids,” she said.
A family she’s been raised in since she first stepped foot on the field in her minkey days.
With an extensive career at the club, Knight said there were a few fond memories that stood out.
“My highlight would definitely be our back to back grand final wins in 2015 and 2016,” Knight said.
“It’s not only for those wins, but all the hard work we had to do leading up to it.”
Knight said while she did play hockey away for a few stints, home was always calling.
Even when she left the sport altogether for five years to start a family, the St Arnaud club welcomed her back with open arms when it was time to return.
“Of course I love playing hockey for the competitiveness and working together in a team, but the thing I missed most was the people and all the friendships.,” she said.
“There is of course many benefits to playing sport physically but I think mentally/socially it has just as many possitive affects as well.” Knight said she hoped to see a lot of other women - young and old - joining the code.
“I always say to young girls , just come and have a go,” she said.
“We are very welcoming at hockey and always love a new face.
“But also to any older women who may have had kids or stop playing.
“After five years of not playing, I definately encourage them to come back and play.”
Knight said more players meant keeping clubs like St Arnaud, and the town itself, alive with community spirit.
“I think sport is what keeps country communities ticking and we are very fortunate with all the great sporting clubs we have in town,” she said.
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