By Oliver Lees
The moment former Kyneton Tigers player Elizabeth Snell found out that her dream of being drafted to the AFLW had come true, she was huddled around the TV at home surrounded by her loved ones.
“We had the TV on but we had zoned out for a little bit and were just talking,” she said.
“When we heard my name read out, honestly we just went off. We were screaming and crying, it was just so exciting.
“I’m just absolutely rapt, I can’t believe it.”
Snell was taken at pick 27 by the Western Bulldogs in the AFLW draft last Tuesday.
She joined Amanda Ling at pick 22 and Aurora Smith at 25 as the Dog’s third and final pick of the night.
After taking out the Bendigo Pioneers best and fairest award in the NAB League, Snell was invited to participate at the AFLW Draft Combine on July 18.
Snell impressed as a member of the Pioneers playing in the midfield, averaging 20 disposals and almost nine tackles across five games.
Snell has also been lining up for the Bombers in the VFLW, where she’s averaged almost 12.8 disposals per game.
She said she was looking forward to getting started with her new club.
“I feel like I’ll slot in pretty well,” she said.
“I’ve played in the NAB League with a couple of ths Dogs players, including Annabel Strahan so I’m glad I’ve got some people that I already know and can help me feel comfortable.
“I’ve been in contact with Burkey [Nathan Burke] the coach and some of the staff members and I’m sure I’ll get a chance with the players and everyone else soon.”
Kyneton Tigers president Hayden Evans said the entire Kyneton community was thrilled with the news.
“Her hard work and dedication has paid off and we are so excited for her,” Evans said.
“The Bendigo Pioneers have provided the perfect stepping stone to ensure Elizabeth’s talent was recognised by the Western Bulldogs.
“Elizabeth has created a pathway for other young women in Kyneton to aspire to follow and our women’s and youth girls teams are on such a high because of this news.
“[She] is a perfect role model for young Kyneton girls to look up to and we can’t wait to see her applying her trade at the highest level of football in the country.”
Snell said she was grateful for all the support she had received from her hometown.
“I just want to say a big thank you, I started off there, and everyone’s been so supportive of me on my journey,” she said.
Snell will play out the remainder of the season in the VFLW with the Bombers.
