AFTER plying her trade as a defender in Central District’s side, Demi Sonneman was thrown forward under new coach Ben Hunt. With the loss of key forwards, Katelyn Rosenzweig and Chantel Reynolds, Sonneman was asked to utilise her positioning and reading of the play up the other end of the field. That move culminated in Sonneman kicking 10 goals in 12 games, and averaging 7.7 disposals and 2.6 marks.

Sonneman said she felt the pressure inside 50, but thrived on it because she knew how much work the defence and players further afield had put in.

“I think it motivates me more because playing defence I know how much it sucks when the team doesn’t score a goal, so having the pressure of kicking the goal I don’t mind that as I want to finish off all the girls work that they’ve done,” Sonneman said.

Sonneman entered the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Women’s competition as a Norwood player, but once the Bulldogs entered the league, it was an easy choice for the talented 20-year-old to don the red, white and blue.

“I started at Norwood at 2017, did my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) didn’t even get a disposal,” Sonneman said. “Then I was lucky enough to come to Centrals which is the club I supported since I was a really little kid so to have the opportunity to play there is really awesome.”

The defender-turned-forward is grateful for the experiences of the ACL, particularly being able to return stronger than ever, and realised what her body was capable of. Now she is settled into her role, even with Rosenzweig and potentially Reynolds returning to that front five. Sonneman said she would describe herself as a “straight line runner, leading forward”.

“I used to play defence so it’s a bit different, still learning the role,” she said. “But really just enjoying the forward line, taking marks and kicking snags is good too.”

Sonneman said she is working hard on improving her endurance to be able to impact further afield and be able to impact in a multitude of ways. Her preseason has consisted of extra running, as well as working on her agility and jumping to coincide with her strength and conditioning. The experienced utility is hoping to taste finals action in 2023.

“I think we can make finals and I think that is a good goal for us,” Sonneman said. “I think (2023) we will be very successful in terms of the way we go about our footy. Everyone is team-first and wanting to achieve that, so I think that would be a good goal for us. But for me personally is just getting the girls a reward for their effort and just trying my best for the team.”

As for the way she can personally influence her teammates, Sonneman said she enjoyed teaching her younger peers what she has learnt over the journey.

“I like to be a leader and I like to take all the newbies under and show them the way and leading by example is always so important in this environment, she said.

The SANFL Women’s season commences on February 17.