HAVING started out in football when she was “quite young,” Bendigo Pioneers bottom-ager Bryde O’Rourke remains on the search for experience as she readies for her draft eligible campaign, in 2023. Last season, she made her NAB League Girls debut and featured four more times, enough to earn a Vic Country Under 17 nod.

Naturally, she has transitioned into the Under 18 squad and continues to turn out for the Pios, enjoying each learning experience and the support they bring. Over the next 12 months, the 16-year-old intends to soak up as much as she can before transitioning to top-age status.

“I’m hoping to obviously improve on my game and everything around that, but also just (to gain) experience for the next few months leading up to my draft year,” O’Rourke said. “I’ve loved the Pios, the girls are so supportive. The coaching, learning lots of new skills and just becoming one with each other is really good… it’s really good to bond with the girls.”

Bendigo coach Danny O’Bree reflected a similar sentiment during preseason when speaking on some of the up-and-coming talent kicking about the Pios’ program.

“We’ve got some really talented youngsters which I don’t need to add any pressure to their time in the Pioneers,” O’Bree said. “We’re just really keen to get them in with a few of the older girls to find their feet in the program and then really take over towards the end of the year I’m hoping with a bit of leadership and experience.”

At 174cm, O’Rourke is one of those “youngsters” with heap of dynamism given her blend of size and athleticism on the wing. Hoping to play the “outside midfield” role this season, look for O’Rourke to produce some exciting passages of play.

“My speed around the ball, carrying the ball and contested marking (are my strengths),” she said. “I want to improve on my ground balls and my positioning around the ball, just to try and get into the best positions I can.”

When quizzed on the quick turnaround heading into season 2022, O’Rourke said “it is what it is”, but insisted the Pioneers were ready to go come Round 1 having enjoyed the preseason slog.

In an individual sense, O’Rourke has started her campaign steadily with a couple of touches in each of her first two games, but Bendigo has shown plenty in a big win over Greater Western Victoria, and high scoring loss to the Murray Bushrangers.

The Pioneers’ next task comes on neutral ground as they ready to face the might of the unbeaten Dandenong Stingrays at Highgate Recreation Reserve on Sunday morning.