Ellie Dick in action v New Town Eagles in Southern Championship. Photo credit : SHFC
There are moments in sport that make us simply feel good, and this is one such feel-good story: Tasmanian Women’s Super League title contenders South Hobart have farewelled a club favourite as Ellie Dick moves west to join NPLW WA powerhouse Fremantle City.
But this isn’t just another story about a player moving clubs; this is one that’s involved three years of constant setbacks and rehabilitation that Ellie has had to overcome to make the biggest move of her career so far.
Beyond90 had the chance to chat with Ellie on the move to Western Australia and what brought her to this moment.
“I grew up just playing kickabout for my school’s team before moving to Taroona FC in 2012, where I started out playing U14s at age 10.”
ANNOUNCEMENT // Taroona FC Senior Women"This is a great opportunity for me, it is like an NDC program. I am training…
Ellie’s talent was evident at first glance, and two years later came one of the performances that got her enrolled into the National Development Centre, excelling for NCD’s Skillerettes with 18 goals in 14 games in Under-13s as she worked way up to her eventual senior debut.
Ellie made 48 appearances across all competitions for Taroona between 2017 and 2018, scoring four goals in her debut season and winning the Statewide Cup over Kingborough Lions to close out her time with the club.
Ellie Dick (left) with former Taroona teammates Zoë Horgan and Josie Painter in 2018. Credit: Ellie Dick via Instagram
“I have Ben Horgan to thank for his coaching during my time there who I consider to be pivotal through my development not only as a player but a person also.”
Ellie then moved to the club she would call home for the next three years in South Hobart.
“2019 came and after having what I felt was a good pre-season with the men and women, I injured my ankle in March.”
Unfortunately, this began the long hard road Ellie has had to endure including a diagnosis with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), “a condition of chronic, severe, often burning pain usually of part or all of one or more extremities that typically occurs following an injury.”
During this time, Ellie was told by her doctors that she may never play football again but Ellie was determined to prove the medical team wrong.
“There were a few moments where giving up seemed like the best option; coaching, helped me remain connected with football and a constant reminder that I wanted to be back on the field.”
Ellie Dick coaching for South Hobart in 2019. Photo credit: Tanner Coad
Ellie stayed involved in the game during her injury woes and completed her coaching licence, aiding the youth development sides and helping the future of Tasmanian football.
As well as earning her badges, Ellie occasionally worked as match manager and found time to cheer the men and women in blue at every South Hobart game she could.
“My injury over the last three years has been anything but easy, a challenge I couldn’t have navigated without my family, club, friends (especially Poppy) and my physio Matt.”
“I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve had this whole time, couldn’t have asked for a better team! Injury has helped me grow as a person, for which I’m very grateful for.”
After 1121 days Ellie returned to the field in the Women’s Southern Championship against Kingborough, helping South Hobart to a 5-1 win, after which she finally returned to the WSL.
Now in the biggest move of her career and linking up with Perth Glory’s favourite Natasha Rigby, Ellie has shared her excitement about her transfer to WA.
“I’m really excited to get over to Fremantle begin to train at a higher intensity, work hard and improve as a player. It’ll be good to play and train in a challenging environment and to consistently play and perform.
“Fremantle has a really great culture, and competitive environment with some very classy players so I can’t wait to learn, work hard and make Freo my new home!”
With departures always come goodbyes, and Ellie said an emotional farewell to South Hobart.
“The coaches and players of the women’s program have been great in my return from injury, and Matt our club physio backed me from day dot.
“I’m going to miss everyone at South but I’m so excited to begin the next chapter and continue to grow as a person and a player!”
