You are one of the original members of this team and have a lot of experience to share with rookies. What would you say are the most important points to keep in mind when the rookies play their first game?
I would say, make sure you know what your role is in the position you are playing. Ask lots of questions as everyone in the league is pretty keen to see the sport grow and we all know what it's like to not know what you are doing. Watching games on YouTube will also give you a much better idea of what the game of Footy is all about. Also, don't feel bad if you screw up! Keep your head up and learn from the experience. Not every kick is going to go where you want nor will the ball always bounce in your favour. Be aggressive to the ball rather than reactionary - if you do that, your coach won't yell at you :)
Last year you were named vice-captain of the women's team. How did your role change on the team after being named to the leadership group?
I'm not sure that changed too much. Being one of the original members of the team in its inaugural year, I think it is only natural that new players to the sport would ask me questions. Also, being a teacher, I can't help but give suggestions and tips when someone is struggling with some aspect of the game. Hopefully my teammates have seen it as being helpful and that it has allowed them to enjoy footy and want to see others join the league.
What aspect of footy do you enjoy the most?
The physicality of it! I've always loved playing games/sports that involved tackling, so this is perfect. I also like the fact that it is a sport that is new to pretty much all the women but uses a lot of skills from other sports that you may have played previously. That way, while the level of play is competitive, it is not so intimidating to try nor is it unreasonable to step on to the field as a rookie and walk off having fallen in love with the sport. The support from teammates and the fact that the women and men can train together is also a unique aspect to the league that is not as common in other sports.
What expectations or goals do you have for this upcoming season?
To go to the Grand Finals for the 4th time in a row and take home the trophy! For this to happen, we need to beef up our numbers and make sure that we practice together as a team throughout the whole season. This is going to be key if we are going to win especially with the injuries of our veteran players. We have great potential with our rookies to continue to be the dominating presence that the Lady Wildcats have been thus far. Personally, I'd like to improve my ability to make plays happen from the back half of the field and even try some other positions that I haven't been in since the first few games of my career. Making the National team would be pretty awesome too - we'll just have to see if I can make it work with the new family dynamics.