BELLA’S DREAM
SUNS PRODUCT’S JOURNEY
SUNS academy product Lauren Bella has hailed the “clear path forward” which has her on the cusp of her AFLW dream.
Originally from Sarina, the 18-year-old this week joined four fellow Gold Coast academy and Winter Series talents who were drafted into the women’s elite competition.
With the Suns due for entry in 2020, Bella headed down the road to Brisbane for next season, a step forward in a career that has enjoyed the smooth – and growing – pathways available to the modern footballer.
“I’ve been very fortunate to grow up and to have a clear path forward,” said Bella, who started playing aged 11 and lined up for Bond University in the QWAFL.
“Not everyone has had that. But now, the AFLW is something that a lot of us knew we could really work towards. I first heard that the competition was making a name for itself when I was about 14 or so. It really pushed me. Now that there’s a league to look up to, (AFLW) is picking up speed and interest and the competition has developed.
“With the rate that we’re progressing, we’re getting better every year.”
With the AFLW draw announced yesterday, Bella will have a chance to make her AFLW debut when the Lions host the GWS Giants on February 3 at Moreton Bay Sports Complex.
They will play in the grand final rematch against the Western Bulldogs in Round 4, but – in a disappointing development – they won’t face North Melbourne in the regular season after the new arrivals recruited a number of star Brisbane players.
The Lions and Kangaroos are in separate conferences and have not drawn one of the “crossover” matches that are available, meaning Brisbane won’t meet former teammates Kaitlyn Ashmore, Brittany Gibson, Jamie Stanton and Tahlia Randall unless both teams qualify for the finals.
Brisbane, who are in Conference B, have once again been handed a majority of away games, in a similar draw to 2017 and this year.
It’s a hurdle they have overcome in the previous two seasons to reach the AFLW grand final.