‘Villain’ looks forward to wearing the hoops
HAWTHORN star Phoebe McWilliams says her focus will quickly turn towards preseason with Geelong after yesterday’s premiership win at Etihad Stadium.
In one of the quirks of the AFLW system, McWilliams had started her VFLW campaign this year with the Hawks before signing with Geelong for the Cats’ AFLW introduction in 2019.
The former GWS Giants forward was pivotal in yesterday’s grand final, amassing six marks to go with 13 disposals and two behinds.
“I was pretty pleased with my game, but it was a fullteam effort,” she said.
“Well done to Geelong, they never gave up for the whole four quarters.
“They did really well and never made us feel like we were going to get away with it. I think our start ended up being the difference.”
McWilliams admitted feeling conflicted, defeating the Cats who she will line up for in the next AFLW season.
“It is a weird feeling, because obviously I really like Geelong and get along with the people down there really well,” she said.
“Seeing some of them after the game like Mia (Rae Clifford), I’ve played footy with Mia for about five years, so seeing her upset, that upset me a bit, too, because I know her so well.
“But it has been a long season with Hawthorn and I feel really a part of their family, so it’s good to finish on a high with them.
“Now it’s time to focus on the Cats.”
McWilliams said there was a lot to like about how the Cats’ list was building, with potential No.1 pick in next month’s draft Nina Morrison catching her eye.
“I think that Nina Morrison, she played really well — a lot of them played really well,” she said.
“When Kate Darby kicked that goal and brought the difference back to seven points, I was a bit nervous but luckily we were able to hang on in the end.”