Duffin talent lies all round
VICTORIA’S loss is Queensland’s gain, with dual-code gun Jess Duffin to beef up the Fire’s Women’s National Cricket League campaign this summer.
Duffin will make her first appearance for Queensland in today’s season opener against NSW at Bill Pippen Oval on the Gold Coast.
The Fire secured the signature of the classy Australian international batter on a short-term deal after Victoria baulked at carrying a dualcode player on their books.
Duffin, 29, is contracted to play for North Melbourne in the AFLW next year after leaving Collingwood, and will turn out for the Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL this summer.
Duffin, crowned the VFLW player of the year last season following her efforts with Williamstown, said she was pleased Queensland allowed her the flexibility to play both sports.
“I’ve come up for the opportunity,” Duffin said.
“With me being a dual sportsperson, the Vic Spirit didn’t want to go down that track.
“I was a bit disappointed in the sense I had to leave my state to play in the WNCL, but I fully understood where they were coming from. With me not being able to commit I can kind of get that.
“Queensland had a conversation with me around playing and the possibility of me not playing in the last round.
“I can help develop the young Queensland kids and have an impact on them.”
Duffin’s signing is a coup for Queensland given Aussie star Jess Jonassen is sidelined with a knee injury.
Duffin may only have a short stint with the Fire before her AFLW pre-season begins in November, but she is determined to keep playing two sports.
“Until I have to make that decision I will play both,” she said.
“I know it’s going closer and closer every year, but I’ll do it when I have to.
“I get to play the two sports I grew up loving. I always wanted to play footy, but there was more opportunities with cricket so I went down that path as a junior
“Now girls get an opportunity in both, it’s going to be a bit harder for them to start making decisions at an early age.
“I’ve always loved my footy so I’m enjoying juggling both.”
The Fire will host ACT at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Sunday.