Maddy Guerin is hoping to inspire the next generation of Northern Knights players after being the first female player drafted from the club.
On Wednesday, Guerin was taken at pick 14 by Melbourne.
Sitting in the room, the 17-year-old was shocked to be selected so high.
“I was overwhelmed and really surprised,” she said.
“I was with the family and friends and we were all hugging. I thought I would be sitting there a bit longer.
“I had a brief interview at my house with Melbourne and met with six clubs at the combine.
“Melbourne said it was the interview that really did it for them.”
Making the moment more special was Guerin’s name was called out by Melbourne star Melissa Hickey.
Hickey along with Western Bulldogs star Katie Brennan have had a big impact on Guerin’s career.
“I personally know Mel and when she called my name out she punched the air,” she said.
“I’ve been going to KB academy for 18 months now.
“I’ve been going two to three times a week and Katie’s been my mentor.
“Being around Mel and her makes you want to replicate what they’ve done and makes you work harder.
“I’ve had the biggest improvement because of them.”
Another major step for Guerin this year was being part of the Knights program.
Having missed out on the Vic Metro squad the last two years, she said being able to step up and take the lead at the Knights was something she had enjoyed.
She said it was an honour to be the first Knights player drafted.
“I only started playing in year nine and it wasn’t year 10 or 11 I started to take it seriously.
“There was a pathway coming through. The last two years its been my goal to get drafted, I didn’t expect to happen so soon.
“It is special to be first girl and the first from Fitzroy too.
“I can show the younger girls at both clubs you can get there.”
