Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fast forward almost 10 months and the 19-year-old all-rounder was last week named Raider of the year for 2019-20.
Beating former Riverside bowler Sophie Parkin (19 votes) and South Launceston run-scorer Caitlyn Webster (16 and a half), Radford polled 22 and a half votes, scoring across nine games, yet the result still came as a shock.
"Playing in a team of so many talented players, I was very surprised to be named Raider of the year," Radford said.
"I thought there could have been a few players in the running. Webster and Montana [Bradley] had a great season with the bat and Sophie with the ball. Sam [Cotton] is a terrific all-rounder and had a really consistent season too.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
"I think that as a team we had a really strong line up with the bat and ball and that was definitely a key to our success.
"There was always a partnership that was able to stand up under pressure and dig us out of some tight spots."
Initially using the Greater Northern Raiders program as a way to get some extra training with specialised coaching, the former Exeter High School and Newstead College Student was selected in the entity's inaugural side.
Describing her highlight of the season as continually playing with and against high-quality players, Radford branded the year as "exciting" and thanked Northern-based coach Darren Simmonds for his work throughout.
"I thought that I really improved my batting in particular during the season.
"Simmo really helped me to work on my batting and his confidence in me helped to build my own confidence.
"Cricket is so much about the opportunity for match practice and I was lucky enough to have plenty of opportunities during the season."
Former prolific Riverside cricketer Simmonds was equally as full of praise for Radford, describing her season as "terrific" and the Raider of the year award one that was "thoroughly deserved".
"She performed for the season strongly in all facets of the game, obviously Meg performed with the ball in numerous roles," Simmonds said.
"She had to open the bowling at times, she bowled at the death and she bowled through the middle. It was the times she had to bowl as well and she stood up.
"The same thing happened with the bat, she batted in the order from opening down to number six or seven and had to perform different roles at different times and each time she stepped up."
While Radford is known as a quiet character, Simmonds said she is a fierce competitor with a real burning desire to improve and that it shows within her on-field performances.
"I'm just thrilled with how much Meg has grown throughout the season and you can just see the confidence coming out in her game and that's all credit to her because she's got a really good work ethic.
"She's got so much improvement and growth in her game which is exciting for her.
"If she continues to work on her game, she can go to wherever she likes."
Radford has now shifted her focus to the TSLW season, which gets underway on July 18, as her Launceston side aims to avenge last year's grand final defeat.
"I am excited that the season will get to go ahead and am hoping to continue improving my skills especially my game awareness and ability to make an impact during matches," she said.
Subscriptions are available here.
Sign up to our Sport email here.