But behind that brave face is someone who deals when nerves, anxiety and her own mental health battles.

"I was placing a lot of pressure on myself to perform at everything I do - from my course at Charles Sturt University (Bachelor of Teaching - secondary), rugby union and working to support myself, which is when I realised I had a problem," said Elleman.

"I really suffered during that time as I didn't feel there were enough hours in the day, between studying, applying for scholarships and simply trying to make ends meet - it was one of the hardest periods of my life until I admitted to myself I needed help as I wasn't coping.

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"I then reached our started seeing a psychologist, which really helped calm my anxiety by talking through my thoughts and emotions, among other coping mechanisms - as I wasn't prepared to give up any parts of my life.

"Taking three, big, deep breaths to reset is another tool I use to maintain a positive headspace and remind me that it's not the end of the world if things don't work out as I'd planned.

"I also prioritise getting at least seven to eight hours sleep a night to decrease my stress levels and the pressure I put on myself- because, at the end of the day, we're all only human.

"All this was enabled me to understand my own mental health, make it a priority and know when I need to take a step back and reset - especially now more than ever with what everyone's gone through the past two years."

Those techniques, which include going for a walk with her dogs or listening to a podcast and tuning out, have massively the 28-year-old overcome the adversity that has come her way the past few seasons and put her in a positive mindset.

"When I broke my hand in the pre-season a couple of years ago, I didn't even think I'd make the squad," said Elleman, who admits her captain Michaela Leonard and coaching staff, headed by Mick Burrows and Daniel Hawke, have been exceptional sounding boards for her to speak with.

"Instead of moping around, I worked as hard as I possibly could to get the rest of my body as fit as it could - and when I was selected by the coaches, it was one of the best feelings I've experienced, as it showed the confidence the club had in me.

"Then last season, with the whole COVID situation, every day was a new proposition and challenge, from temperature checking, masks rules and isolations, which was extremely tough - especially being the vice-captain and feeling that little bit of extra pressure.

"But I enjoyed that extra responsibility and feel it's helped me become the person I am today - I hope I get that honour again in the future.

"Every situation is a learning experience and I've really tried to take the glass-half-full approach to the past few years and concentrate on what I can control and not what I can't."

More recently, factors that have added to the Wagga Wagga-based athletes' anxiety have been starting a new job at CSU and missing the start of the Brumbies' pre-season training due to border restrictions.

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"Unfortunately, us girls that weren't in the ACT did a couple of remote sessions before returning to face-to-face sessions on November 1," the Nowra High School alumna said.

"That pre-season block, of two sessions a week, will continue until the start of December when we should transition into the next stage of our summer regime."

This will ensure Elleman and her Brumbies are ready for the 2022 Super W competition, which is set to kick-off in March/April.

"Everyone is really looking forward to returning to our regular home and away structure with finals this season, after last year's shortened format," she said.

"The sport is as popular as it has ever been among women and we're all keen to showcase that on the national stage once again."

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