Injury-hit Brennan adapts

KATIE Brennan led by example.

As one of the AFLW’S most hardworking and professional athletes, it’s hard for aspiring female footballers not to follow her lead.

But after two seasons wrecked by injury to begin her AFL Women’s career, the star Richmond recruit has been forced to adapt.

Brennan, 27, played just two games in the inaugural season for the Bulldogs in 2017 and three the following year before seven games last season after an ankle reconstruction.

“Through the journey I’ve been able to grow and adapt my leadership style having not been out there through injury with the Bulldogs and I feel as if I’ve been able to go from just a leader who leads by example to a leader who is able to develop connections better with people,” Brennan said.

“I’ve sort of learnt how you start to get the best out of others and challenge them, support them and really try to make them aim higher.”

Brennan has had to do that while coming to terms with her own mental challenges.

After coming back from major surgery on her right ankle in 2018, the Tigers captain had more to overcome than the injury.

“When anyone does an injury, whether it’s a knee or an ankle or anything, you always go through this mental battle of not being able to perhaps go in as hard as you want to or even going up for a mark, just thinking about how you’re going to land on your knee or on your ankle,” Brennan said.

“It’s something I had to work really hard to get through.

“Just even throwing a ball up on a trampoline and landing and actually holding steady through that ankle and trusting that it’s going to be OK.”

Brennan is now in the best shape of her career both physically and mentally.

She’s fitter, faster, stronger and lighter.

And she’s ready for her new role as a midfielder. has always