Western Fury Captain Avril Fahey could be forgiven for thinking retirement is just around the corner.

After 15 seasons playing for her State, Fahey has earned veteran status, something that doesn't faze her one bit.

“It has been a long journey but I feel great and want to keep going as long as I can and help WA win their first title,” Fahey said.

“The opportunity to play for WA and the pride that I feel when pulling on the black and gold is pretty special and it's not something I want to let go of anytime soon.”

The Western Fury are hoping she doesn't as they vie for their maiden Women's National Cricket League Title in 2008-2009.

Experience brings opportunity and the next stage in Fahey's cricketing life might be just emerging following her appointment to the Women's Youth Selection Panel (WYSP) recently.

The WYSP select the Australian Under 18 Talent Squad and are responsible for talent identification at a National level.

“The opportunity to be involved at a national level again was too good to pass up especially with the World Cup just around the corner in January 2009,” said Fahey.

“To identify players of the future will be an exciting role and one I am looking forward to very much.”

After 16 years in the game, like any cricket professional life after cricket is something to be considered.

“I want to focus on my career as an occupational therapist and budding wine taster after cricket,” laughs Fahey.

“But I am not done yet, I still have a lot to play for and while I still feel I am contributing I will play on.

“From the time I was 5-when dad carved me a mini cricket bat in the back shed, cricket has been in my blood and it's not something that will ever leave me.

Fahey, a right-arm off spinner, made her debut for Western Australia in 1992-93, where she is still the Captain.

In 2000/01 she took 6 wickets with best figures of 3/18, and chipped in with 3 catches, all of which helped to propel her into the national side.

She proved herself to be a tough competitor and valuable middle order batsman at state level.

For Australia, she was required to bat in just nine of the 40 ODIs she played, testament to their strong batting.

In that 40-match career she was on the losing side just three times.

She also played 6 tests which included tours to New Zealand and England.

There are many career highlights for Avril like playing in two world cups, one winning and the opportunity to play on an England tour for Australia.

“Playing in the World Cups was pretty special, especially the winning one but I think the greatest moment in my career was to play at Lords in front of my family,” said Fahey.

“To walk the long room where so many of the greats have strolled through was an amazing experience and one that I will treasure.”

When speaking of heroes growing up, one of Western Australia's and Australia's great players comes up.

“I always loved Dennis Lillee growing up and I honestly thought that one day I would play with him,” Fahey giggled.

“ That didn't quite work out but I think I am pretty lucky to experience what I have and I wouldn't change a thing.”

Avril Fahey represents Subiaco-Marist in the 2008-2009 SunSmart Women's First Grade Competition and starts her WNCL campaign as Captain of the Western Fury against the SA Scorpions on 29 and 30 November 2008 at Aquinas College Oval.