WEST Adelaide junior Bethany Sigley is searching for some continuity and consistency in her game this season, with the ruck-forward among the developing talls in South Australia’s State Academy. Sigley did get a taste of South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Women’s action last season, playing six consecutive matches for the Bloods between Round 5 and Round 10.

Though it was a taste, the 17-year-old is keen for more in 2023, having averaged 5.8 disposals, 5.7 hitouts and 2.2 tackles at senior level. Similar to many of her peers, Sigley began her local journey in the local leagues, and worked her way into the West Adelaide juniors, before natural progression saw her training with the seniors.

“I started five years ago playing at Blackwood footy club and then I got into the Under 15s for Westies and then to 17s and then I started training with the League at 16,” Sigley said. “Then just kept going from there.”

Despite playing the six games, Sigley found herself having ups and downs as she grappled with learning two of the more difficult roles for a teenager. Coming in to fill the ruck spot at first, she had a big debut with 13 disposals, 13 hitouts, three tackles and two clearances in a 36-point loss to South Adelaide in Round 5.

From there she rotated between ruck and forward, and with the Bloods’ forwardline struggling, Sigley could not impact as much as she would have liked. In 2023, she is hoping to nail down one position to make her own, and play even more consistently in the senior side.

“It would be good to play consecutive games in the League and find my position there,” Sigley said. “I have been thrown in ruck and forward but I’d like to be stuck in a position to fully understand the role.”

Describing the West Adelaide environment as “very positive”, Sigley rates her vertical leap and her marking as some of her strengths. On the flip side, the tall is hoping to work on her tank and speed in order to impact for longer, and particularly either at stoppages or on the lead.

West Adelaide has had no shortage of AFL Women’s draftees in recent years, and Sigley said the coaches as a whole have had an impact on her career, while she follows those Bloods alumni who have gone on to play at the elite level.

As for her own personal goal, Sigley would love to join those before her one day, but is realistic about the chances.

“I feel like everyone’s goal is to make the AFLW but I don’t know if that would be possible for me or if I have the talent for me,” Sigley said. “It just depends on how well I do this year and I’ll see how it goes.”

West Adelaide kicks off its season on Saturday, February 18 at Hisense Stadium, taking on Glenelg from 12pm.