Tara Murray
After an injury in round one, Calder Cannons’ Heidi Woodley’s season was left in tatters.
Her focus was on getting back on the field, not what might come later in the season and the possibility of being drafted.
But with plenty of support from her family and the Cannons, Woodley could be among those to hear their names called out on Wednesday night at the AFLW draft.
Woodley said there were plenty of mixed emotions ahead of the draft. She has spoken to a number of clubs in the past few weeks.
“I’m a bit nervous and very excited at the same time,” she said.
“I’ve been just trying to compose my nerves and stuff and keeping a level head around what could happen and what couldn’t happen.”
Woodley said the support from the Cannons, especially coach Ross Smith had put her in the position she finds herself in heading into the draft.
She said Smith spoke about what she could achieve and drove her to strive to be better.
“The support from the Cannons and Ross had really helped me.
“I was injured in round one and it was a bit of a downer. I was back in round seven for the Tassie game and I was happy with the end of my season.
“I didn’t have any idea about the Vic Metro team. Ross was pushing for me to get in there and gave me a little bit of hope.
“But I still didn’t think it would happen.”
Smith would be right and Woodley was named in the Vic Metro squad. She played two games at the national championships.
Woodley said she was grateful for the opportunity.
“It was good to play with the top players in the country,” she said. “It was a massive step up from the NAB League.
“I did pretty well despite not knowing many of the other girls. I played my role as a forward quite well.”
Woodley, who sees herself as a mid-forward, was then selected for the all-star game against the AFL NAB Academy.
She was then selected to attend the draft combine. The flu, which left her bed ridden, meant that she couldn’t test.
If she’s to get drafted, Woodley wouldn’t be the first person in her family to play at the highest level.
Her grandfather, Allan Woodley played 130 games for Hawthorn in the 1950s and 1960s, and won the Hawks best and fairest in 1959.
“My grandfather, who played for Hawthorn, has played a huge part in my journey.”
Woodley said while getting drafted was the dream, she had plans for what lies next with her football if it doesn’t happen for her.
“I’d be keen to go back to the Cannons and captain the side if I don’t get picked up.”
The draft is being held at 7pm on June 29.
To find out whether Woodley or any other locals have been drafted, head to www.starweekly.com.au.
