Reigning GNWFL MVP Olivia Bidwell becomes first to pass 1000 runs in cricket league

Olivia Bidwell is usually found out on the field or at the top of the score charts, and the 19-year-old Geraldton all-rounder has now become the first player to pass 1000 runs in women’s cricket league history.

“I was retired with three runs to go on the last game before Christmas,” she said.

“So I definitely knew about it but it wasn’t my focus; my focus was just to do what I always do and help the team win. That was just a bit of a bonus.

“But it is exciting it’s never happened before but glad to be the first to put my name out there.”

Cricket teams always love a good all-rounder, with Bidwell also taking 80 wickets in her career at an average of 9.8, but she may have taken the idea further than most.

Bidwell is the joint GNWFL women’s player of the year for her exploits at Towns and after playing a few reserve games for East Fremantle in 2022.

For those who prefer the round ball, she helped La Fiamma win the women’s title last year with two goals in the grand final over Chapman Athletic.

Bidwell said she doesn’t have a favourite, with all three sports and clubs holding a special place for her.

“Honestly they’re all the same to me, they’re all my family clubs,” she said.

“I’ve been at each club since I’ve been born, I’ve grown up at all of them.

“I think footy has definitely climbed up there in the last couple of years because I’m only on my third season and the women’s comp is relatively new, but soccer and cricket have always been my go-to sports.”

To be in the top echelon of one sport is not an easy feat, but Bidwell said being at the top of all three was down to simple drive.

“I have such a great passion for the sports and my team,” she said.

“It’s not about individuality in any of these sports. I would rather my team win than myself be successful any day of the week.

“The cricketer of the year kind of put the spotlight on me a bit but my focus is purely on the grand final and making sure that my team is successful so that we can go out with a bang with a good year that we’ve had.

“It’s exactly the same with footy and soccer; just try my hardest at everything in every game, because no matter what, it’s all about doing the best for my team.”

While self-determination is no doubt a key factor, Bidwell is helped by having plenty of people to practice her skills with as her family all play at high levels.

Her dad Shayne became just the fourth man to pass 10,000 runs in Geraldton Cricket Association earlier this season and is close to 600 wickets.

Her sister Charli also plays cricket, softball, football and soccer and her other sister Chelsea plays cricket and soccer and is also a footy trainer along with her mum Leanne, who also coaches cricket.

“I play soccer with both sisters and my mum so that’s a prize in itself; not many people get to play with your entire family,” she said.

“The support is always there we are always together ... knowing that they’re on the sidelines or on the field definitely pushes me to try and help with their success as well.

“We’re a competitive family but watching them succeed makes me happy, which makes me succeed.”

But when it comes to who is the best in the family, Bidwell said there could be only one choice.

“I think obviously Dad has a big history and gets a bit of a head start and I don’t think any of us are gonna get to 10,000 runs any time soon,” she said.

Like many top sports stars in the region, Bidwell has been approached with moves to Perth but said she had no plans to leave her home town.

“I just like all the sports equally. I don’t think I could pick one and I don’t like the thought of moving to Perth because then if I do I leave family and I’ll have to leave other things behind,” she said.

“I’ve been asked in every sport but have turned it down because I like all three of them too much. I couldn’t sacrifice any.”

Bidwell and her sisters will be hoping to help Wanderers go back-to-back in Sunday’s grand final against Sportsmans.