Tara Murray
New Melbourne forward Alyssa Bannan is excited to get down to work at the Demons after being taken at pick five in the AFLW draft.
Bannan, who has been one of the key forwards in the NAB League competition with the Northern Knights, was the third pick for the Victorian clubs, behind her Knights teammates Ellie McKenzie and Jess Fitzgerald who were taken at pick one and two respectively.
“It’s insane, I still can’t get over it,” she said.
“I didn’t expect it. I don’t have any words, but I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I’m still trying to process what has happened.
“I was so excited when they went pick one and two as they worked so hard and to be able to play and train alongside of them and watch them get to where they are and then to see them picked up at Richmond and Bulldogs is incredible.”
Bannan had spoken to the Demons in the lead up to the draft and they had made a big impression on her.
She said she was glad to have been selected by them.
“Melbourne, it’s about their culture,” she said.
“They want to improve the player not only on the field but as a person as well and they are devoted to their players and the team itself, [they] really impressed me.
“It’s just nice to know how excited they were to see me get drafted and for me to play at such a high level.”
Bannan had to quickly refocus after the draft with her year 12 GAT the following day.
She admits it was hard to sleep after being drafted.
Bannan, who has got to train with the group already, said it was still pretty crazy speaking to the rest of the playing group.
She said speaking to someone like Daisy Pearce was insane, having never thought she would get to speak to her, let alone play alongside her.
“Pre pre-season began today and we’ve been able to have an exception for that which has been really good,” she said.
“It’s good to get to have a kick and just prepare for the season to get our fitness levels back up after such a long break and such a period of unknown.
“It’s good to get to have a kick with some teammates and get the feel of the ball again.”
Having made her aim of being drafted this year, Bannan said for her anything in her first season is just a bonus.
“I don’t know really what to expect,” she said.
“I’ve learnt through this period that anything that can happen. I’m just excited to be at such a great team that is so supportive and very inclusive.”
