How I got involved in AFL being a Queenslander

Growing up on the Gold Coast was fantastic – all year round the weather is amazing and it entices you to be outdoors. I spent most of my younger years just hanging around soccer, cricket and surf lifesaving clubs until I was old enough to participate myself. From about age 6 my weekends were filled with sports  – playing netball, little athletics, tennis and nippers – I loved it.

Age 14 I decided to try soccer, with no real training other than kick2kick with my older brothers I was asked to play in the woman’s league at my brother’s club. I played soccer for about 5 years before my best friend ask me if I would be interested in joining a woman’s AFL team. At first I said no as I was concerned about the physical contact, but after the first training session I was hooked.

2003 was my first year playing AFL and I didn’t find the transition very hard at all. My experience playing netball and soccer for most of my life had given me most of the skills I needed. Don’t ask me how I did this but I used to play back to back games for the reserves and premiers every week.

Our team the Surfers Paradise Demonettes dominated the comp and we won the premiership in my first year playing and again the following year. I left the team in 2005 to travel overseas and upon my return in 2008 I was straight down to training. The D’s again reached the grand final only to lose by 1 point.

I continued playing for the next few years for a Brisbane team where we continued to make grand finals, however never claiming the premiership.

Once I settled in after the moved to Melbourne, I started training with the Darebin Falcons (I know a few friends that play there) however the cold winters changed my mind very quickly. These days I prefer the spectators role and try to get along to support my team the Essendon Bombers as much as I can.

PJ