AFTER Collingwood’s 20-point AFL Women’s win over Essendon last Saturday, dual sportsperson Emily Smith spoke to Rookie Me Central and said she was “very happy with how the game transpired.”

“It was a warm day, but just really pleased that we got over the line” Smith said. “It’s been a tough few weeks in terms of outcome but, I know it’s a cliche, we stuck to the process and it really came off today. It was really enjoyable.”

Smith said the fact that Collingwood ultimately got over the line against Essendon felt extra special after things went pearshaped against St Kilda the week before.

“We know it’s a short season, every game matters, so we feel like every game we rock up to our season is on the line, and for us that’s actually really exciting, and today was really pleasing,” she said.

Smith said that coach Steve Symonds‘ message at three quarter time on Saturday focused on self belief to avoid a repeat of the final quarter against the Saints.

“He just reinforced that he genuinely believes in us, and we felt that with him and we believed in each other and that’s what the message was at three quarter time,” she said.

Football is not the only sport that Smith has had a top level career in, crossing over from cricket to join Collingwood in 2022.

“It’s different” Smith said, speaking about the transition between the codes.

“I loved footy growing up. I do miss cricket but I’m very, very lucky to be in the position I’m in to play for Collingwood. I was also lucky to play a nine-year career in cricket. I really enjoy both of them but there’s definitely a bit more players on the field in footy.”

Smith’s cricket career is not completely over yet, with Smith confirming she is playing for Essendon Marribyrnong Park in the Victorian Premier Cricket competition this summer.

Things get significantly harder for Collingwood this coming weekend, taking on Brisbane up in Queensland, but Smith believes the confidence her and her teammates will have taken from Saturday’s win will hold them in good stead.

“Brisbane are always a tough contest, particularly on their home deck, but I think we’ll take good confidence and momentum from this game into that one,” she said.