Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
FOR Hayley Trevean, Jessica Kennedy, Bella Ayre and Sarah Last, it’s all still surreal.
And that is that they can all call themselves Carlton Football Club players.
The quartet from the Bendigo Thunder are part of Carlton’s inaugural list of 27 for the first season of the new AFL Women’s League that starts in February.
The four were picked up by the Blues more than two months ago, yet it’s still sinking in that they are all now part of one of Australia’s most famous football clubs.
“There was a moment at training last week where I was standing on the boundary looking around (at Ikon Park) and thinking I can’t believe I’m a part of this… it’s just incredible,” Trevean said.
Added Last, who has only been playing football for two years: “Especially being fairly new to footy as well, it’s still sinking in that we’re playing for an AFL women’s team.”
Bendigo was once the heartland of the Carlton Football Club back in the days of VFL zoning from the 1970s to the mid-80s.
And once again the Bendigo presence is strong at the Blues with the four players from the Thunder.
The youngest on the Blues’ list, 18-year-old strong-marking forward Ayre was the first of the Thunder players drafted when Carlton selected her at pick 51.
Last, 20, was snapped up by the Blues at pick 94, before Kennedy, 26, and Trevean, 28, were taken as free agents.
“We’re heading down there three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday) for training and just trying to be as open-minded and as ready to learn as we can and working really hard on the track,” said Kennedy, who was this year’s Bendigo Thunder best and fairest.
“It makes for a pretty big day with the training in Melbourne, but that’s the commitment we’re all willing to make and we all car pool when we can, so that makes it a bit easier.”
The Blues – who have been the best-backed team in premiership betting with TAB – are being coached by Damien Keeping.
“Damien has got a world of knowledge to share and I know personally, I’ve already learned so much off him,” Trevean said.
“Every night at training we’re learning something new and that’s great for our footy.
“The whole club has been very welcoming… everyone has been very approachable and helping us along the way.
“We’re really fortunate to be at such a great club.
“We run into the men’s team here and there, and we’ve also got Dennis Armfield who has been helping us a couple of nights a week at training and that has been fantastic.”
Midfielder Kennedy has been with the Bendigo Thunder since its inception into the Victorian Women’s Football League in 2011. Back then, she thought the Bendigo-Ballarat rivalry would be as big as it got for her on the footy field.
“Five years ago us playing North Ballarat in a really close game was about as big as we could have probably imagined it would get for us,” Kennedy said.
“To now know that there’s not just the AFLW opportunity for us, but for all players coming through the pathway, that’s what’s really exciting.”
The four Bendigo players have the chance to be part of footballing history when Carlton plays in the inaugural AFLW game against Collingwood at Olympic Park Oval on Friday, February 3, in what will be a game televised on Channel Seven.
“We’re honoured to be playing in the first AFLW game… it’s obviously a game that will go down in history, so how awesome is that,” Trevean said.
In enemy camp for that first game against Collingwood will be the Thunder’s captain of this year, Emma Grant, who was selected by the Magpies with pick 91.
The 2017 AFLW season will feature Carlton, Collingwood, Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, GWS Giants, Fremantle and Adelaide, with each team to play seven home and away games, and the grand final to be played on March 25.
“We’ve got a great group of girls who are all very talented… there’s 27 on the list and 22 get selected every week, so hopefully, we can all slot in somewhere,” Trevean said.
“There’s still a lot of hard work to be done, but February 3 can’t come around quick enough.”
What coach Damien Keeping has told carltonfc.com.au about the four Bendigo players:
Bella Ayre (forward) – “Bella’s workrate and endurance allows her to be competitive from the first bounce of the ball until the final siren.
“Although she generally plays up forward and can pinch-hit in the midfield, Bella can also help down back if required, so she’s an extremely flexible player.”
Sarah Last (defender) – “Sarah’s knack to read the ball in flight is matched by her brutal competitiveness.”
Jessica Kennedy (midfielder) – “Jess had an amazing season this year, taking home the best and fairest award at Bendigo Thunder.
“With the capability to win her own ball, she will add greatly to our mid stocks.”
Hayley Trevean (forward) – “Hayley’s game sense is second to none and her ability to deny the opposition the ball is a win for us.
“Her positive attitude towards the game is very infectious and I have no doubt her character will have a valuable affect on the development of our younger players.”