FROM starting out in Auskick with the boys, to a code switch, and her current campaign through the elite talent pathway, Ella Smallacombe is steering her footballing journey in one direction. The Northern Knights forward is enjoying her third year in the program, back as an over-ager after debuting in 2020 and adding eight games last year.

Like many, her ultimate goal is to be drafted to the AFL Women’s ranks, and experience more “high level footy” along the way. With Year 12 studies out of the way, the 18-year-old is ready to give her dream another crack in 2022.

“I thought I had another year in me,” Smallacombe said. “Hopefully I’ll get picked up this year. “Last year I had Year 12 so my focus was on study, but this year I’m all ready for footy.

“I think uni will make it a bit easier to manage my time and it’s a bit less of a commitment than school, school sport and everything, so I’m hoping I’ll have a bit more focus on footy (this year).

“I’ve loved being in a high performance program. I’ve loved the challenges, I’ve loved all the GPS trackers and all the tech. It’s been great, just the team building and everything else.”

A natural kind of forward, the 171cm prospect recalled kicking four goals in her first organised football outing – playing in Fitzroy’s Under 12 girl’s side at 10-years-old. She kicked a handful of majors for the Knights in 2021 and already has three to her name this year, as the side’s spearhead in attack.

With a good amount of experience under her belt, Smallacombe has been able to identify her greatest strengths and the kind of areas where she can improve. Kicking goals breeds confidence, and that is something she hopes to show more of this season.

“My strengths are probably leading and (taking) overhead marks,” she said. “I usually play a centre half-forward role so just connecting the mids and the forwards, getting those assists.

“The main thing I want to focus on is taking on the game a bit more. I think because it’s my third year (at Northern) I’m a lot more confident and willing to put a bit more out there, take a few more risks and hopefully run with the ball.”

With three rounds down in the latest NAB League Girls season, Smallacombe’s Knights are 0-3 but have proven competitive in patches. Their next challenge comes on Saturday afternoon, when they take on the undefeated Eastern Ranges at Parade College.