When Francesca Ogilvie started at Hampden Park in the Scottish Cup semi-final in April, she made her own piece of history on what was already a historic occasion by jumping to the top of the Aberdeen FC Women all-time appearance chart.

Marking both her landmark achievement and her 24th  birthday, Fran sat down to review ten of the best pictures that tell the story of her AFC career so far.

Signing for the Dons

“That’s not my best picture!

“It all happened so fast. I had a meeting with Emma Hunter the day before, I was still at Cove. We’d spoken about getting into the performance hub because I felt I should have been playing for Scotland. She said, “Come and play for Aberdeen. We’ll boost your chance of playing for Scotland.” I said that Cove and Aberdeen are in the same league, so there was no the point. She told me, “You need to sign. We’re going to go up.”

So I did. That night, I trained with the girls. It was a very fast week. Then that Sunday, I scored on my debut. It was ab unbelievable week.

The first league win

“We’d already won the league, so we knew we were getting the trophy that day. It felt more like relief. I didn’t really understand how much it meant to the girls who’d been relegated twice. There are some oldies in there, by the way!

Pittodrie in the background, the foreshadowing. I never even considered that we’d play there. It wasn’t even a thought, because we were playing on that Sports Village pitch. It’s just night and day when you think about it now.

SWPl2 Joy

“That was one of the best seasons I’ve ever had. I was on fire. Every time I shot, I believed I was going to score… and I usually did.

I got a heap of assists that season too. The final game was on my birthday, I really wanted to score, but I ended up with something like five assists instead. That was one of my best seasons, and obviously, back-to-back promotions.

It was so comfortable. There was a point where Bailey was the top goal scorer, I was second, Eva was third, and Eilidh was fourth. It was a crazy season.

Semi-Pro Contract Signing

“For the five of us, it was unbelievable. I didn’t think it would happen so soon. We’d all had such strong seasons, and we were still young.

We all knew we wanted to stay at Aberdeen. There was a lot of pressure on us five to train and play well, but we still had a great season after it. That was a proud moment for me. It’s such a good group of girls, all brilliant players.

Emma Hunter Departs

“Emma told us at training this would be her last game – Dundee United at Tannadice. It was emotional, but it didn’t really sink in at first.

Before the game, we all said: 1. It’s a big occasion, 2. It’s three points at stake, but most importantly, we had to win it for Emma.

She played a huge part in my career. If it weren’t for her, I might not be at Aberdeen. I have massive respect for her.

We were so emotionally charged. I think it was always going to go our way that day. Bayley does what Bayley does, and she finds a goal in the last minute to win it. Incredible!

First Pittodrie Goal

“Montrose at Pittodrie.

I just remember thinking, I want to beat them. They’d say the same: those games are a different level.

Bailey got the ball, and she’s so good at seeing the pass before you even realize it’s there. I pointed for the gap, and there was a bit of arguing between their right-back and wing-back about who was marking me.

She slipped it through perfectly, I wrapped my left foot around it, and it went in… felt like slow motion. I wasn’t sure it would ever reach the net, but when it did—wild.

The thumbs-up was for Hannah Stewart. In the pre-match meeting, Clint with his English accent, and his mannerisms, everybody knows what he is like – went, “Just win the ball back… 110%… just… win!” Then smiled and gave two thumbs up. We all said if anyone scores, they’ve got to do it. It was the same grin on his face. Classic Clint. Great guy.

Back at Pittodrie, Forward Rolling

“The kids at my coaching sessions and school kept asking, “What’s your celebration?” I told them I don’t really have one, it’s just in the moment.

They said, “What if you score a last-minute winner?” I asked them for ideas, and one kid forward-rolled. I said absolutely not.

I even showed them I couldn’t do one. They told me to practice.

The first time I scored again, it just popped into my head—I did the forward roll. Then I scored another header, and I had to do it again because of all the backlash from the first one. To get to do it twice at Pittodrie, if you told me that a year ago now I would have cringed, but it’s great banter.

It’s my thing now!

History Made at Hampden

“The game went by so fast.

I know it sounds silly when you lose 5–0, but it didn’t feel like we got thrashed. Three would’ve suited the game better. The score line was very harsh. I was very proud of the group.

It was so hot, the grass was dry, and we were all watching the clock. Suddenly, it was full-time, and the occasion was over.

I didn’t even know I’d topped the appearance list until afterwards. I made my debut away to Buchan, broke the record at Hampden. Not bad!

POTY and a Shady Mo Selfie

“The occasion was massive. Football’s huge in Aberdeen, and POTY awards is so big – I felt like I’d won the Ballon d’Or! That’s how many people were there.

Then the selfie, that was brilliant. After the cup final, Shayden told me he should’ve done a forward roll after he scored. I said, “You didn’t score! It was an own goal!”

 

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He’s a brilliant guy. It was special to share that moment.

Family Support

“That’s a great photo. The support of my family is so important. He was annoyed I didn’t bring him to the Player of the Year Awards. I said, “You’re not old enough yet.” He replied, “By then there’ll be better players, and you won’t win it again!”

Layton and Kerry come to every home game, and a lot of away games too. Mum and Dad try to come to all the away ones they can, they all do a lot of travelling, they are always supporting me and the girls.

They all mean the world to me.”