The Wildcats club have produced its fair share of quality footy players that have gone on to play at even higher levels of footy over in Australia. Here is one from the Women's team:Kendra Heil.
1. When did you first get introduced to footy?
I was first introduced to AFL in 2011, and I was lucky to be part of the inaugural Women's Wildcats AFC team.
2. What national and/or international experience did you have before going to Australia?
Before moving to Australia, my national experience was with the Northern Lights. I played in the 2012 and 2013 Parallel Cup tournaments.
3. What were the reasons behind you moving to Australia?
I moved to Australia in 2012 to have a shot at the competitive women's league in Melbourne. I also nominated for the AFL Women's Draft in 2012, though my inexperience at the level here was evident and led to non-selection. I have nominated again this year.
4. What club, level and league do you play for in Australia?
I currently play in the VWFL Premier division in Melbourne. It is considered the highest level of women's football besides the State teams and the AFL Women's Draft. I play for the Eastern Devils.
5. What would you say the main differences are between playing the game in the OAFL and in Australia?
There are so many differences between the OAFL and the VWFL here in Australia, I don't know where to start. It's a REAL game of footy with full rules, full ground, and four 25min quarters. It's rough, passionate, and the skill level is through the roof. I've seen so many women here that can hit targets under pressure more accurately than many AFL players.
6. What other footy-related differences are there aside from playing the game (club culture, fans, media, facilities, weather etc.)
The club atmosphere is also very different. We have two women's teams within our club, so our training sessions are 30-40 girls strong with a bevy of coaches. Our events are loud, rambunctious, and full of dancing.
Our fan base is also fairly large; besides partners, friends, and family, we have many people that come out because they love watching women's football.
The media is on the rise, during an AFL intermission, I even saw a clip of a girl taking a speccy from the 2014 Women's AFL draft game.
The facilities we have are a full clubhouse with bar and change rooms. It's quite nice having so many facilities at your disposal, especially since the weather turns harsh and wet in the winter here. It gets very cold and muddy, so having a hot shower after a match followed by beers inside in the warmth are great!
7. What would be your top 1 or 2 tips that you picked up playing footy in Australia that could benefit someone playing here?
It's difficult to pick one or two tips when I've learned so much over here, and I keep on learning from different coaches and football representatives. Personally, my positioning in and out of the contest have improved, but that is a matter of experience. It comes down to getting as many touches on the footy as possible and as much game time as you can.
8. What is the biggest difference in your game since playing in Australia?
My match fitness has improved since playing in Australia as we play full ground for four 25 min quarters. My timing and positioning have also improved greatly.
9. Most memorable moment with the Hamilton Wildcats?
My most memorable moment with the Hamilton Wildcats was defeating the High Park Demons for the first time. We all worked so hard as a team and we deserved the win.
10. Most memorable moment with your club in Australia?
My most memorable moment with the Eastern Devils thus far is our end of year footy trip. We went to Byron bay and I learned how to surf and spent a lot of time with my Devils family. Everyone here is so welcoming.
11. When do you plan on returning back home?
I am not too sure when I plan on returning to Canada, but I will visit soon! Love my Wildcats!
Kendra Heil has accomplished so much in her time playing footy. As an member of the Wildcats from Day 1 of the women's team, she was their first captain, first best and fairest and a force to be reckoned with in the league from Day 1. The Wildcats wish her all the best in her footy pursuits in Australia!
Last Modified on 25/04/2015 12:32