NOWRAS Maddy Collier, at just 21 years of age, has created her own little slice of history, by recently being named as the first NSW/ACT player to be selected for the Greater Western Sydney Giants women's team.
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Collier is the third player to sign with the Giants, one of eight womens AFL franchises part of the new womens AFL league, after the team used their two marquee spots on West Australian pair Renee Forth and Emma Swanson.
Im absolutely stoked and I cant really describe how it feels, Collier said.
Its pretty special to say that Im part of history as the first NSW/ACT priority pick player in the womens league.
Ive been dreaming about this day my whole life and for it to finally come to fruition, Im over the moon.
I dont think its fully sunk in yet though, as I dont think it will hit me till we start pre-season training, which is expected to start in November.
This caps off a busy month for Collier, who recently took part in the womens exhibition match between the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne Demons at Whitten Oval. Following that, the midfielder was named best on ground in her Sydney first grade grand final victory for the UNSW-ES Stingrays against Sydney University.
Its been a hectic month for me and one that Ill never forget thats for sure, Collier said.
The best part of winning the grand final was beating old rivals Sydney University.
A lot of people go all their careers not winning a premiership and to say that Ive won one already at 20, is pretty special.
With pre-season expected to start in November before next years competition kick-off, Collier is keen to make a strong impression right from the first bounce.
Obviously Ive put a lot of hard work in to get here, but now I have to step it up another level, she said.
Ill start to ramp up my own training next month ahead of the clubs pre-season training.
Obviously next year will be exciting for the sport but my goals are long term and I hope that next year is only a springboard into a long career for me in the league.
The Giants roster will be completed in the coming weeks, with four more priority selections needed before next months draft.