OVER THE MOON ON CENTRE STAGE
DREAMING of playing in an AFL Women’s league was once just that, a dream.
Last Saturday I pulled on the hoops and ran out at Kardinia Park for my first AFLW game with the mighty Geelong Cats — an 18,000-strong crowd there to witness my dream becoming my new reality.
Behind closed doors, we were presented with our guernsey by club vice-president Bob Gartland.
An emotional occasion, Gartland cleared his throat as he recounted the story of a woman who played in the first women’s football match in Geelong.
The words resonated deeply with each and every player: “We were a novelty . . . just another curtain raiser.”
Last Saturday night we were the main event. Us. Twenty-three Geelong women playing our way. The Geelong way.
Like any first date we felt we looked like part, we made some good impressions and handled the pressure quite well.
The experience of players such as Meghan McDonald and Aasta O’Connor set the tone when we created opportunities to play the game on our terms.
For me, it was more a breath of relief in some respects to get the win, to step in as captain at such short notice with the weight of expectation that the role carries.
While nice to celebrate our success, time is of the essence in the AFLW competition and straight from field we had players smashing down protein, coaches nose deep coding footage and the Cats Shop frantically ordering more Olivia Purcell badges in preparation for Round 2.
Tonight we encounter a slightly more versatile and skilled Bulldogs team with the likes of Katie Brennan and the dynamic duo of Ellie Blackburn and Lauren Spark.
Our backliners, also known as the “Spice Girls”, led by band manager Tom Stewart, are excited by the challenges these players will produce. It is becoming increasingly more common to see AFL men’s players in coaching roles in the AFLW competition.
Some may question why. What would they know about playing women’s football?
Isn’t it just good for the club and their profile? Do they even attend trainings?
At Geelong, we are fortunate to have Tom Stewart and Aaron Black coaching defence and forward lines.
Both “Stewie” and “Blackie” share the same passion for the game as we do.
They code, analyse, run drills, provide feedback, give encouragement and attend every football commitment as we do, because we are a team, we do it all together.
Stewie loves to drill the fundamentals and keep the messages simple and concise.
You can trust that he will let you know if you’re set up incorrectly or follow up with a high five and a chat if you make some good decisions with the football.
Aaron has a knack for building confidence in players and communicating the strategy that is clear and engaging.
I gave the girls five words to describe the boys, the polls returned with: Tom Stewart — kind, charismatic, chilled, cheeky and passionate Aaron Black — quietly confident, passionate, caring, level headed, proud (of the girls).
After a seven-day turnaround and with one win and an army of excited Cats fans we are back, fresh and ready to stick our claws into some Bulldogs.
My playlist is ready for the trip up to Whitten Oval, filled with Missy Higgins and MJ, to once again keep the nerves at bay and my mind focused on the job.
Tonight’s game is sure to be a battle of precise ball movement and ruthless defensive acts.
Fill the Esky, load the kids on the train and come up to the kennel to support your Geelong Cats!