OVERAGE AFL Women’s draft hopeful Asha Turner Funk has her sights set on obtaining an elite level list spot in the future, but is hoping to make the most of a second chance at the AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships. The 167cm midfielder turns 19 in April, and was among the players to earn an AFLW Draft Combine invite last year.

Though ultimately missing out on a prized spot at the elite level, Turner Funk said it was an easy decision to return to the Sydney Swans Academy.

“I felt really supported here, and especially this year they’ve definitely supported me and my journey and my aspirations to make it to the big leagues, hopefully with the Swans women’s team,” Turner Funk said. “I think I just saw that there’d be some opportunities and I just love the club and I love the coaches and everyone in it so much that I thought I’d give it one more crack here.”

Turner Funk’s story is not dissimilar to a lot of young footballers, but perhaps a little more unique compared to others in her state. Despite living in the rugby heartland Newcastle, Turner Funk opted for the Sherrin instead.

“I was born and bred in Newcastle so I started doing Auskick when I was about five. It progressed from there, I started playing with the boys around 11, and training with my brother,” Turner Funk said. “I played Youth Girls Under 16s when I was about 11, then went through the senior ranks and I started playing for Manly last year.”

Like many, Covid has played an unfortunate role in Turner Funk’s journey. After making the NSW/ACT team, Turner Funk was forced into isolation on the eve of the match against Allies, and it undoubtedly affected her game. Despite that, she still described the Rams game as “so much fun”.

“I unfortunately got Covid the week before so I came back the day after I was out of isolation so that wasn’t ideal,” Turner Funk said. “But it was so much fun, such a great opportunity, such great coaches. Hopefully back again this year and redeem that.”

Turner Funk is a balanced midfielder who loves to play aggressively, and points to her footy IQ and kicking as some of her strengths. In 2023, the NSW/ACT talent is focusing on building her overall fitness and endurance, as well as improving her on-field communication.

“I think I’m a natural midfielder, I’m fairly aggressive at the ball and I like to run on the outside, and get the ball and use my skills to make the best decisions,” Turner Funk said.

As for her goals in 2023, Turner Funk is again not too dissimilar to her peers, with the Swans Academy AFLW Draft hopeful wanting to reach the top level, but also achieve goals along the way.

“Hopefully I make it into the Allies team as an overager, play really well at the upcoming NAB League games for the Academy and then hopefully make it onto a list somewhere or a train-on spot,” Turner Funk said.

The new Coates Talent League season begins on March 18.