Story
A Game Changer
words CHELSEA FILMER
PHOTOGRAPHY john krÜger
Nicola Biagi is more than just a name on the local football scene or a respected real estate agent in the Barossa. She’s a leader, mentor, and fierce competitor, both on the field and in life.
As a child, Nicola spent countless weekends watching her brother play football, itching to join in. But at the time, opportunities for girls were scarce.
“My brother played football, and we’d always be out on Saturday mornings or Friday nights watching. I was like, ‘Oh my God, I just want to play’,” Nicola recalls.
That all changed when women’s football gained momentum in the Barossa, leading to the formation of the female league, the BLGW.
“I remember thinking —this is it. This is what I’ve been waiting for.”
She eagerly attended tryouts despite being older than most.
“I was one of the older ones in the group, but I just wanted to give it a crack,” she shared, laughing.
Despite starting later than many, Nicola quickly made her mark, earning a spot in the SANFLW and becoming the inaugural captain of Central District Football Club’s women’s side — a proud and humbling moment.
“I’d only been playing for a year, and here I was, leading a team. It was daunting but such a privilege,” says Nicola.
She later transitioned to the West Adelaide Football Club, where she continues to play today.
Now, as the women’s football coach for the Tanunda Magpies, Nicola is focused on creating opportunities that didn’t exist when she was growing up.
Beyond the field, Nicola’s passion for community and leadership is deeply rooted in her upbringing — the Biagi family, known for its strong sense of connection and resilience.
Her father, Ralph, is the frontman of local band The Barking Ants and former owner of Barossa Valley Sound & Vision. Her mother, Annabel, a retired schoolteacher, instilled in Nicola a deep love for learning and perseverance. Inspired by her father, Nicola became the frontwoman of a heavy metal band during her university years.
“Music gave me a way to express myself. Dad was a muso, so I grew up surrounded by music. I always wanted to work on shows like Channel V and RAGE when that was a thing,” Nicola says.
Her grandmother, Grace, also profoundly shaped her values.
“I remember Grandma would keep her back door open. People just knew they could come in, chat, and feel at home.”
One of Nicola’s fondest memories is delivering her grandmother’s homemade Christmas biscuits to Tanunda neighbours.
“She would spend hours baking, and us grandchildren would go door to door, handing them out. It wasn’t just about the food but about making people feel cared for.”
“Sometimes bad things happen to good people. But it’s what you do after that (that) defines you.”
- Nicola Biagi
But amidst the warmth of family, Nicola faced an unimaginable loss. At 17, her brother was tragically killed in a car accident. The event changed everything.
“You never think it’s going to happen to you. One moment, life is as it always was. Then suddenly, it isn’t.”
That loss shaped Nicola in ways she never expected. It gave her a deep appreciation for the people around her, an unshakable resilience, and a drive to give back to her community. It also taught her that time is precious — a lesson she carries into everything she does, from mentoring young footballers to helping people find their first homes.
“I carry Jarrod with me every day,” she says.
“It shook me for a long time, and I have had to work hard to get where I am now. But losing him made me realise that life doesn’t wait for the perfect moment. You have to live it fully.”
“Sometimes bad things happen to good people. But it’s what you do after that (that) defines you.”
Through it all, she’s had unwavering support from her long-time partner, Aaron. They will marry soon. He has been her rock, cheering her on in everything she does.
Looking ahead, Nicola is determined to build a lasting football pathway for girls in the Barossa — one designed to meet the unique needs of women in the sport. She is driving the development of a Female Pathway framework to equip young girls with the skills, tools, and structure needed to progress from community leagues to state-level competition.
“People sometimes expect us to play like the men, but the women’s game is different. We’re built differently, play differently, think differently.
“At the community level, you’re coaching players at all levels—from beginners to experienced athletes and even breastfeeding mothers. It’s about meeting each player where they’re at.”
For Nicola, the real reward is seeing her players thrive.
“Helping the girls—whether it’s straightening the hips for a kick or perfecting a ground ball — and then watching them nail it in a game… that’s something special.”
Nicola will undoubtedly continue to leave her mark on the community. Her resilience, shaped by love and loss, is evident in everything she does. She’s not just leading the next generation — she’s changing the game entirely.
