There's plenty of mixed emotions in the lead-up to tomorrow night for the Pioneers captain as she's considered a top pick for Tuesday's AFLW Draft.

"I am excited, but all the nerves make me want to jump out of my skin as there's so many emotions flowing around," Slender said.

"But overall it's a good feeling."

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Slender has been part of the Pioneers program for many years, in addition to playing with VFLW Essendon and with Vic Country as part of the AFLW Under-19 National Championships.

With just about everything ticked off her list, the last one remaining is a start in the AFLW.

"The whole process starts with the NAB League season, followed by the Victoria Country squad which included first round interviews with clubs," Slender said.

"There were then second interviews and some clubs would then ask for a third if they're interested.

"As much as I know what's happening, it all seems up in the air as I don't know who I will be drafted by or if I will be drafted.

"But if all goes well I am happy to go anywhere there is an opportunity."

However, Slender does have her eyes on two clubs which she'd love to join ranks.

"North Melbourne or Richmond as they have such a strong family feel to them," she said.

"They are similar to country clubs while at the same time have really great elite programs."

During the 2021 NAB League season Slender was captain for the Pioneers, an experience which bolstered her overall ability.

"At the start of the year Pioneers coach Danny O'Bree called me up to ask if I was interested in being captain," she said.

"I immediately jumped at the opportunity as I always felt like I would make a good leader.

"I have football smarts which I was able to transfer to the field which helped strengthen my leadership ability.

"It changed the way I see things. Instead of just being critical of my personal game, It required me to think about all the other girls and how to best help everyone as a whole team."

Slender missed a few rounds due to concussion, but she didn't let that sideline the opportunity to develop her off-field skills.

"I focused on strengthening my leadership skills within the squad and also learning from coaches on how to become an even better leader," she said.

This came on the back of a COVID-19 restriction-plagued year which saw less time games and training in comparison to usual.

"It was always going to be a struggle navigating all the lockdowns, but in a way the time was good for me as It made me realise how much I love football and that I want it in my life," Slender said.

"The challenges of gyms closing and having to find new ways to build strength without weights made me find new ways to keep fit."

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Slender is the definition of determined and lets very little stand in her way on her path to achieving her dreams, which wouldn't have been possible without support from the Pioneers.

"I've been involved with the Pioneers for several years and I've slowly seen the girl's program develop into what it is today," she said.

"The integration between the girls and the boys has made the program into one great family which is amazing.

"It's been helped by Danny O' Bree who is an amazing coach and leader for all of us.

"I wouldn't want to be part of any other NAB League club.

"We didn't win many games this year but we all loved every minute we were out on the field."

Fellow Pioneers player Elizabeth Snell is also another of the club's top prospects for the Tuesday night draft.

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