NORWOOD over-ager Georgina Birchall earned a call-up to the State Academy training hub over the Summer following an impressive season for the Redlegs last year. With State Academy coach Brad Snell taking the reins, the former Norwood mentor liked what he saw from Birchall at SANFLW level, and she has the rare opportunity to play in the back-to-back Under 18 championship winning side.
At the SANFL Women’s Preseason Testing Day, we sat down with Birchall to discuss her football journey, game, role and goals for the 2024 season.
Q: Georgina, tell us about your footy journey?
GB: “I started football in Year 9 at Wilderness school just playing for school. I just played the casual school interseason all the way through Year 12 because I was doing other sports at the time. At the beginning of last year I trialled for Norwood and got in there so it will be my second season at Norwood.”
Q: How have you found playing at Norwood?
GB: “I’ve really loved it. All the girls are wonderful, everyone’s very kind. It’s just a great environment to learn and grow and become a better footy player.”
Q: You were Included in State Academy as an over-ager, what was that like when you were told?
“I was very excited especially because I didn’t realise being an overager it was a possibility. I’m really appreciative of this opportunity that I’m able to grow and develop at another level.”
What are some of the strengths in your game?
GB: “I think I’m quite quick so I’m fast. I think driving my legs out of the pack is a real key quality of mine.”
Q: What are you looking to improve on at the moment?
GB: “I’d really like to improve on my skills, so especially my kicking and also my understanding of the game because at this higher level I feel like I’m a bit behind in my game perception and understanding so that’s a real area I’m trying to grow and learn by watching more footy games and being more switched on and aware and interpreting the play on the field. That’s something that I’m trying to work on.”
Q: What role do you see yourself playing at Norwood this year?
GB: “Hopefully in the midfield. As either a P2 (second possession winner) or a sweeper position. Maybe might try learning some roles as a running defender. But I’m not sure, I’m really flexible and open to learning any position.”
Q: What AFL/W club do you support?
GB: “I’ve always supported the Crows since I was little.”
Q: Who do you look up to at the elite level, or model your game on?
GB: “I’ve always looked up to Chelsea Randall as she always goes in hard for the ball and just puts her body on the line and always attacks it, doesn’t think about the other players, just gets her own footy. That’s who I look up to.”
Q: Who has had the most influence on your career?
GB: Definitely my parents. My mum and dad, but then also a few coaches from school. Brad Snell was my school coach and was lucky enough for him to coach me at Norwood last year. Then other school coaches that developed me at school and I just really loved that environment.”
Q: Finally, what are you goals for 2024?
GB: “Getting in and staying in the League team at Norwood, that’s a goal of mine nad just developing as a player and trying to be my best self and getting my routine right. Just giving it all I’ve got, I don’t want to leave any stone untouched.”
