By Tara Murray
What started as battles in the backyard with her brothers and dad, could end up being an AFLW dream for Kyneton’s Ella Jeffrey.
Jeffrey, who started playing as her brothers did, is part of the Vic Country squad for the under-18 national championships.
She played in Country’s first match as it beat the Allies. Game two was set for Sunday against Queensland.
“It was so exciting and such a good opportunity to go and play up in Melbourne,” she said.
“It was so surreal. It was just a great opportunity and I’m so grateful that it came my way.”
Surprised was the first reaction of Jeffrey when she found out that she had made the Victoria Country team.
She said it was also some reward for all the hard work that she had done.
In game one, Jeffrey finished with eight disposals as she played a key role in Victoria Country’s defence.
“I was pretty happy with my role and playing on someone, sticking to them all game I think I did pretty good,” she said.
“I felt like I knew I was going to play my role as a key defender and make sure not as many goals kicked on our team.
“I thought I was a pretty good player for that role.”
Jeffrey said she had always loved footy.
She started playing when she was in grade four with Kyneton and never looked back.
“I’ve grown up with my brothers playing footy for them, always wanted to be like them,” she said. “Also with my dad we played marks up. They were always pretty good.
“Sometimes I would win, only if they left me.”
Jeffrey has gone through the ranks at Kyneton, playing some senior football last season.
She said that helped develop her skills playing with more experienced players.
Jeffrey has also been at the Bendigo Pioneers the last four years and it has helped shape her life.
“They teach you about who you are on the outside of the field as well as on field,” she said. “What you do outside of school and outside life.
“There’ve been a fair few injuries this year, so it’s been a big role for me. I felt like I was ready for and it and I’m always happy to take on anything.”
The dream of football has meant that Jeffrey has had to give up playing basketball to focus on the one sport.
Jeffrey, who tries to play like another fellow Macedon Ranges footballer, Georgie Prespakis, said being drafted would mean the world to her.
“It would be the best thing ever,” she said. Ï reckon that it if would happen to me, it would be a dream.
“Going to any team, I would be so grateful.”
Jeffrey said the focus now was to continue to work hard and stay consistent in her work to help her excel with her pathway in footy.
