DESPITE her bottom-age season ruined by an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, South Adelaide forward Shae Archbold has taken plenty of positives into the 2024 season. We spoke to the talented top-ager – who got the green light for return back in December – at the SANFL Women’s Preseason Testing Day about her journey, the injury and recovery, and her return to the sport she loves.

Q: Shae, tell us about your football journey?

SA: “I started when I was about nine playing with the boys at Aldinga, just loved it. Got to playing with the boys and South just picked me up Under 14s and went through the development program and then lucky enough to get into the senior program when I was 15 and then just started doing well then.”

Q: Your had your debut season for South in 2022, what was that like stepping up against senior opponents?

SA: “I loved it. I love people older pushing me, they were all so supportive as well. Especially when I was a bit younger. Just loved pushing myself so it was really fun.”

Q: Talk us through the knee injury how it came about, and the recovery process wince?

SA: “It was really mentally tough but I’ve learnt to push through it. It’s probably made me tougher in some ways. Had like 13 months off now from footy so really need to get back to it now.”

Q: How did it happen, what were you doing at the time?

SA: “I was just playing a mini Under 17s game and I just changed direction with the ball, so yeah it wasn’t fun.”

Q: What have you been working on in the time that you haven’t been able to be out there?

SA: “A lot of strength work. I’ve been doing a lot of opposite foot kicking so I’m dominant on both feet now which is really good. I’m a lot stronger than I was, I’m more mentally tough.”

Q: Do you see yourself back in the forwardline or perhaps playing different roles?

SA: “I do want to come into the forward/mid role. That’s what I’ve been training for, getting fitter, but up in the forward will be good.”

Q: What are your strengths on the field?

SA: “Definitely still my kicking, goalkicking, just strength in kicking. Then probably my footy IQ in general.”

Q: What about your improvements?

SA: “Game fitness and aerial ability, agility work. Need to work on that a bit more.”

Q: Which AFL/AFLW club do you support?

SA: “Crows.”

Q: What players do you look up to or model your game on at the top level?

SA: “At the moment still Chelsea Randall, she’s such an inspiration. To get to the footy, she’s just so courageous and amazing.”

Q: Who’s had the greatest influence on your career so far?

SA: “Probably Brianna Wedding (Cleggett) in my time, the captain. She’s obviously been through an ACL, so she’s so inspirational for me, she’s helped me so much.”

Q: Being a part of the state program not being able to play last year, what was that like?

SA: “It still made me want to go more. I hated missing out on the games obviously, but can’t wait to get back into it this year and hopefully do well.”

Q: You tested today so you’re good to go for full training? Hows the knee back doing everything?

SA: “I actually got fully cleared a couple of days ago (early December) so I’m actually really into it now. Feeling really good now, so happy.”

Q: In terms of your goals, what do you set yourself?

SA: “SANFL Best and Fairest? (laughed). Obviously get drafted, just play well, the girls at South hopefully win a premiership.”