WESTERN Jets defender Lou-Lou Field might still have more than 18 months until she can be picked in the AFL Women’s Draft, but the bottom-age talent has seen what the rise of her former teammates to give her “inspiration”. After being lucky enough to be on the Jets list in 2021 – though being too young to play at just 14 years-old – Field stepped straight up to the level as a double bottom-ager last year to have an impact.

Field averaged 14.5 disposals, 2.3 marks, 5.8 tackles, 2.2 inside 50s and 3.7 rebound 50s last season, showing off her aerial ability, clean hands and potent left foot kick. Starting off in defence this year, the Jets talent expects she will progress into the midfield and gain minutes in there to add an extra string to her bow.

“I think my strength is my left foot,” Field said. “Kicking out and just being able to see the options that are there. Something I want to work on is my in air when coming to marking and marking against opposition as well.”

Field was one of the younger members of the Jets’ premiership team last season, who said the team had enjoyed a strong preseason with plenty of fresh faces in the wake of a number of players rising up to AFLW level.

“I think our team has been improving together and I’ve seen an improvement all over by all of us so I think we’re ready for the season,” Field said. “I think I just know what to expect and I’ve adapted to how they play in the Coates League. I think it’s going to help me through this season and next.”

A big Pies fan, Field looks up to a couple of Magpies in the men’s team to base traits in her game around.

“Darcy Moore, I think the way he plays and Nick Daicos, he moves off the half-back really well, he’s always there so I think him too,” Field said.

Last season, two Jets were selected in the Top 10 of the AFL Women’s draft with Montana Ham and Charlotte Baskaran. In addition, Laura Elliott (Hawthorn) and Caitlin Sargent (Essendon) also made the rise to the elite level.

“It’s such an inspiration (to see them reach the AFLW level),” Field said. “They made it more real. That it’s something you can get to.”

Field said her parents were her biggest mentors on her career, helping her get to games and training and allowing her to chase her dreams without being overbearing.

“They’ve been the biggest support,” Field said. “They haven’t been the type to make me do things I don’t want to, they’ve just more lead me to push for what I wanted and achieve what I wanted to by myself.”