Ferguson aspires for full time football
ELLINBANK’S Jasmine Ferguson has hopes of becoming a full-time athlete in women’s football following a successful first season at North Melbourne.
A supportive boss allows Ferguson to balance her commitments as a semi-professional footballer and netballer, also lining up for the Hawks in the Victorian Netball League, with the physiotherapist working part-time.
Returning to visit her home club and speaking at the sponsors’ lunch, Ferguson said the recent collective bargaining agreement that sees a 94 per cent pay increase was a significant moment for the sport.
Initially playing the game for fun and some time off school, a steely determination to be the best she can be led Ferguson for finding a love for the game while playing for Collingwood’s VFLW side.
It helped Ferguson push through recent pre-seasons where the pandemic saw limited game time in the sport.
North Melbourne then came calling.
“I was nervous on draft night,” she said.
“A lot of players had heard from a few clubs, but I had only really heard from North Melbourne.
“I streamed it at home but then the laptop died halfway through, which made me upset.”
Fortunately, the stream was picked up again, and Ferguson heard her name called out at pick 51.
Crediting her local coach Kim Durrand with instilling a desire to take her netball to the next level, Ferguson also through herself into her first AFLW pre-season with dedication.
It saw her break into North Melbourne’s senior side, playing nine of a possible 10 games including a final. She missed just the one match due to health and safety protocols.
Her first pre-season saw her competing with Kangaroos ruck-forward Emma King, who had a significant height advantage.
“It surprised me how much they track loads,” Ferguson said.
“I have always thought I have managed multiple sports well.
“Playing full back, I’m not the tallest player but often find myself playing on the tallest player.
“(Melbourne forward) Tayla Harris was hard to play on.
“But playing on the more experienced players was the best experience for me, showing I could match up with them.”
Athletes in the sport are currently part time, typically spending two hours at the club for recovery and review, six hours twice weekly for training and game day.
However, the recent shift could see them become full time by 2026, and Ferguson hopes to be part of it.
“I love keep getting better each year and want to try and play every game,” she said.
“It will probably go full time in 2026 and I’m hoping to still be around.
“It’s every girls dream.”