Chapman’s unassuming rise to success
“STAND there and don’t touch the ball.” They were the first words uttered to Geelong Falcons’ Abbey Chapman when she stepped onto a football ground for the first time. It might have been a bit abrupt and imposing had the words not come from a familiar face. “My sister told me to stand there and […]
Draft Central launches for 2019
WELCOME to 2019, and while the year is still young, the Draft Central coverage is ready to get rolling ahead of the AFL Women’s competition next month. In 2018 we saw our first two-day draft, an inaugural premiership for Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup, and Geelong Falcons take home the first TAC Cup Girls […]
Taking opportunities pays off for Katie Lynch
IN the midst of Year 12, Katie Lynch had a lot on her plate. She featured in the TAC Cup Girls competition, represented Vic Metro, played for Collingwood in the Victorian Football League (VFL) Women’s competition and balanced school sport commitments as well. Although it was a difficult situation to be in for Lynch, she […]
Collingwood draftee, Jordyn Allen “couldn’t think of a better club to be at”
JORDYN Allen had been in contact with a couple of clubs heading into the AFL Women’s Draft. But she had no idea which club would pick her up. The Pies ended up selecting Allen at pick five, and the 18 year-old is overwhelmed about her opportunity to pull on the black and white. “I kind […]
Lifelong footballer Prespakis finally gets to pull on an AFLW jumper
Madison Prespakis’ football journey began at her local club, Romsey as a four year-old. She played Australian Rules with the boys from Auskick level up to Under 14s, where she was told she had to stop playing football. Now, Prespakis has grasped an opportunity she never thought she would receive. She was selected at pick […]
From young admirer to footballer: Patrikios lives out her dream
CALDER Cannons star, Georgia Patrikios was simply following in her brother’s footsteps as a youngster. Now, she is one of Calder’s key players, a multiple Vic Metro representative and a member of the AFL Women’s Academy. Patrikios admits she cannot believe that young admirer of football is now a player herself. “Ever since I saw […]
Brown learning off others to succeed
MURRAY Bushrangers bottom-ager, Millie Brown loves to learn. She has had the privilege in being able to learn in one of the leading TAC Cup Girls sides, alongside coach, Sam Ahmet and AFL Women’s Academy member, Rebecca Webster. Brown says people like this not only help her learn, but make the learning process an enjoyable […]
AFL Women’s Draft Combine wrap
AN Eastern Ranges duo and the potential number one pick in the Under 18 AFL Women’s Draft have emerged as the top performers from the AFL Women’s Draft Combine yesterday. Geelong Falcons star, Nina Morrison walked away with two combine records, smashing the Yo-Yo test with an 18.2 score, as well as clocking 7:14 in […]
Future is bright for women’s football
IF anyone ever had any doubts about the future of AFL Women’s, then they need look no further than this week’s V/Line Cup. The best 14-16 year-olds from across regional and rural Victoria tackled each other in Gippsland in the annual tournament held at Moe, Morwell and Traralgon. Walking away from the event, I was […]
Webber rises to success against the odds
AS a youngster who loved to watch her brother play football, Nikia Webber asked her dad if she could do the same. He was against the idea because he perceived football as a masculine sport at the time. But after persistence from a young Webber, she got the opportunity to kick a footy around in a […]
