By Tara Murray
Dreams came true for six footballers from Melbourne’s north-west on Monday night in the AFLW draft.
Two Western Jets, two Northern Knights, a Calder Cannon and a Footscray Victorian Football League Women’s player were among those drafted.
The Jets’ Sierra Grieves was the first to go, taken by Richmond at pick 11.
Speaking on the draft coverage, Grieves said it was a remarkable feeling.
“Honestly it’s great, I’m grateful for this opportunity,” she said on the draft broadcast after being invited to the draft. “Honestly it has been great and all the programs I have been in I’ve learned so many new things.
“It’s been awesome.”
Grieves told Star Weekly earlier this year that she had started to take her footy seriously after Covid having been with the Western Jets since she was 13.
“It was a bit tough at the start,” she said on the draft coverage. “I knew I wanted to play midfield and I went away and worked on it with my brother especially who was a big help.”
Grieves’ biggest inspiration on the football field has been Richmond star Monique Conti.
Like Conti, Grieves went to school at Maribyrnong Sports Academy.
It was Conti that presented Grieves with her jumper.
“I can’t believe it,” she said.
Knights’ Holly Ridewood was taken by Essendon at the very next pick.
Ridewood, who was captain at the Knights, won their best and fairest.
She is still only new to the game having taken it up after Covid. She played three games for Vic Metro this year.
Ridewood will provide the Bombers with some outside run.
Her Knights teammate Zoe Hargreaves has also realised her AFLW dream, having been selected by Richmond at pick 20.
The Tigers said on their website that they loved her combination of attacking and defensive game styles.
“Zoe is an exciting, versatile player, a competitor with an impressive kick and athletic profile, and is highly regarded for her leadership , professionalism, coachability, positive energy and strong desire to achieve.”
Lou-Lou Field, who says her game is like North Melbourne captain Emma Kearney, was taken by the Blues at pick 46.
Carlton head of AFLW Ash Naulty said they were really happy to have the Jet join Carlton saying she was someone who has been on draft radars ever since her first Coates Talent League game three years ago.
“A prolific defender, Lou-Lou has really impressive intercept ability, but what stands out most is her football IQ and her understanding of the game. She’s played footy ever since a young age and some of the traits she has are hard to teach.
“She’s a natural leader at just 18, having captained the Jets this year. We feel like we’ve added some exciting talent to our backline and we’re really looking forward to seeing what she can achieve in Navy Blue, working under the likes of Kerryn Peterson and Mimi Hill.”
The Western Bulldogs have looked within their Victorian Football League Women’s program for one of their picks, selecting Keeley Hardingham.
The young ruck was named the VFLW rising star this year.
Calder Cannons midfielder Kyla Forbes got her dream late in the night, picked by St Kilda at pick 55.
Saints AFLW recruiting and list manager and head analyst Anthony Tang said they were excited to have Forbes on board.
“Whether it’s at halfback or half forward, Kyla is another versatile player that possesses an elite kick,” he said.
“As the competition continues to expect more from players regarding pure football skill, her ability to use the ball effectively is something we highly rated heading into tonight’s draft.
