THEY say that you are your own harshest critic, and that may well be the case with West Adelaide‘s Charlie Scutchings. The South Australian teenager by her own admission describes herself as “lazy” and was surprised to hear she was in the State Academy Under 18s squad. Though her humility underplays the fact she has already spent two full seasons at South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Women’s level.

Unlike many teenagers coming through the pathway, Scutchings has been playing seniors since she was 15-years-old and has notched up 20 games across the past two years. Now, entering her top-age draft year, her consistency to turn up at League level earned her a place in her State Academy squad. What surprised her was the fact she missed the Under 17s intra-state clash due to injury, unlike many of her peers.

“That (earning a spot in the State Academy) was exciting, because last year I actually had an ankle injury, so when there was the 17s on, I didn’t play any games,” she said. “But I don’t actually know how I got into the 18s side considering I didn’t play, but it’s great to be in it and I’ll give it a shot.”

The versatile utility is willing to give anything a crack, and play whatever role the team requires of her. That is an indication how she has managed to hold down a spot in the seniors over the years, having spent time midfield and forward, having started her career as a defender. Despite two full years at senior level, Scutchings is a relative newcomer to the game despite growing up in a family of footballers.

“I started football four years ago. I’ve always grown up with my little brothers playing football, dad always wanted me to play football so I thought I’d give it a crack,” Scutchings said. “Up at Flaggy (Flagstaff Hill Football Club) there were eight girls maybe in my first team, don’t know how we played games but we did.

“Then I reckon through school football one of my coaches was out at Westies was coaching in the 16s Girls Academy and I went out there. “From there I got into Port Academy, and then from there got invited to Westies Academy. “I was underage then I think, and then ever since I’ve just played at Westies I guess.”

When asking about her strengths and improvements, Scutchings is blunt with what she needs to work on.

“Improving on definitely my fitness. It’s getting better but I’m pretty lazy and I need to just improve on that,” Scutchings said. “Actually put some time into running and sprinting and extra training. “I actually want to improve on my left leg as well, and left handballs, so just getting good on that side.”

Though her team-oriented thoughts shine through when she speaks about her love for tackling, describing it as a strength on the field.

“When I get in the right mindset I’m quite aggressive with tackling,” Scutchings said. “I like tackling people especially when they’re like getting to me on the football field.”

Still unsure of what career path she wants to chase heading into Year 12, Scutchings is determined to focus on her football and school, whilst juggling work commitments. With a brand new feeder competition streamlined into the SANFL Women’s, Scutchings said it was good to be able to still don the colours if not at senior level.

“Now that there’s a Reserves comp, if you don’t get into the League side you can show what you’ve got in that and hopefully get back in. But definitely working towards playing in the league side,” she said. “I don’t know where but I’ll give it a shot anywhere. “I’ll go wherever they need I guess.”

That willingness to play a team role and slot in anywhere has been a huge tick for Scutchings, who is just as honest about her 2022 goals.

“Well I don’t think I’d get drafted but I’d give it a crack,” Scutchings said. “I’m in the 18s State side. “(Another goal is) Just meet new people, try hard, get fitter, just give it a crack.”