Tara Murray
When Northern Knights’ Rylie Wilcox started playing football in 2018, it was as she was keen to try a new sport.
Having played both soccer and hockey, Wilcox just wanted to play football for her local side.
Fast forward to 2022, the forward has her eyes on playing for Vic Metro and being drafted later this year.
Wilcox said taking up football turned into the best move for her. She said heading into her draft year she was just taking it day by day
“I try not to think about it,” she said.
“It’s nerve wracking as every week you have to go out there and give it your best with 120 per cent effort.
“I want to play some good footy. If I don’t get drafted, I will go back and try again.”
Wilcox said she had worked hard on her skills during the off season to get the best out of her game.
Having played for Vic Metro under-17s team last year, Wilcox has been named in the initial Vic Metro squad.
The squad had a camp earlier this year.
“We had three days with high performance coaches,” she said.
“In the two training sessions, we learnt so much from them.
“We were able to make some good bonds between the girls.”
Wilcox said one of the biggest things she learned at the camp was the nutrition side of things and had incorporated that into her game.
Making the final Vic Metro squad is one of Wilcox’s main aims this season.
The 17-year-old said she moulds her game on Carlton forward Georgia Gee, playing as a small half forward, who can play tall.
Wilcox is set to play a key role for the Knights this year, with a number of new players making their debuts.
“I’m one of the top age players and I feel like a leader, even though I don’t have a leadership role.
“The [new girls] have played really well in their positions and look like they’ve been there forever.”
Among the coaches at the Knights this year is current AFLW players and former Knights’ Gabby Newton and Maddy Guerin.
Wilcox said they had been really good for the playing group.
“I’ve been talking a bit with Gabby, but not in depth,” she said.
“Having Maddy and Gabby there… Being through it and giving their experiences of what they have learned at the Northern Knights and in the AFL. They are inspiring to other players.”
After the NAB League season, Wilcox is hoping to get the opportunity to play some Victorian Football League women’s games to test herself against the bigger bodies.
“It’s another goal of mine,” she said.
“I want to play metro and then hopefully get drafted after that.”
