TALENTED small forward Alyssia Pisano has no trouble finding the big sticks, and given her form this year, one might forget that most of her bottom-age season was wiped out with injury. A frustrating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury last March put the AFLW Academy’s year on ice after 10 goals in five games, but Pisano has returned stronger than ever.

Bursting onto the scene as a 15-year-old, Pisano quickly established herself as a player to watch, booting 19 goals in 10 games utilising that deadly left foot. She would continue running at two goals per game until returning for her top-age year.

In her first game back from her ACL injury, Pisano booted 4.1 from 13 disposals against Dandenong Stingrays, then slammed home 6.3 against the Northern Knights the following week. By the first four games, Pisano had raced to 16 goals, at an average of four per game.

“Tackling and endurance are something that I’ve been working on quite a bit, especially coming into this year,” Pisano said heading into the year. “I think that’s something I want to improve on the most. Then I think strengths would be speed and goal sense. I’m pretty good at sensing where the goals are and being able to hit the scoreboard and just help the team in any way.”

Though she ultimately missed Vic Metro’s national carnival last year, Pisano has been well entrenched in the state hub, and has similarly caused headaches for the Allies and South Australian coaches already at the AFLW Under 18 Championships. Of her experiences leading into the year, Pisano said it was important.

“It’s always good experience seeing how different levels how the game goes and the speed of the game,” Pisano said. “I think it’s always good to have that there so you know what the next levels are going to look like.”

A “big” Richmond supporter, Pisano said she looked up to Dustin Martin as an idol, and also followed the likes of Ellie McKenzie and Monique Conti. Though both spend more time through the midfield, Pisano said she found them “really interesting players to watch” and hoped to model aspects of their game into her own.

Over the off-season, Eastern Ranges changed coaches with past mentor Travis Cloke heading to Essendon VFL, and incumbent Ash Close taking over the reigns. Pisano said the transition had been smooth.

“It’s been good,” she said. “I really liked Trav as a coach, just the way he went about things, but Ash is really, really good. He’s given us a new perspective and gameplan. Both of the Eastern coaches are honestly just amazing so can’t complain.”

Keen to remain in Victoria for her football at the next level, the top draft prospect said being around her family was important. She named her family as he closest mentors and supporters over the journey.

“They all love football and both my brothers players, so definitely all my family members keep pushing me and are always there for me,” Pisano said. “I can’t thank them enough for it.”