FEW players are as versatile as Calder Cannons’ Kyla Forbes who has played just about every possible position over the last few seasons. Starting as a pure forward, Forbes worked her way up to being a predominant forward and pinch-hitting in the midfield last season, to now primarily being a midfielder with forward minutes.

However Forbes has also spent time in defence, a role she played full-time in her two games for Vic Metro, where she largely took the kick-ins for the ‘Big V’. We spoke to the top-ager in the preseason about her year ahead and the goals she had set for herself in the 2024 season.

Q: Kyla, tell us a bit about your footy journey?

KF: “Started when I think I was seven or eight playing with the boys. Played there for about three years until I moved over to the girls. Played interleague then got into Calder Cannons and have been there ever since.”

Q: How have the Cannons helped your development and what’s the pathway been like for you?

KF: “Cannons have been great with all the coaches and then playing with girls at a higher level, it’s been really good.”

Q: In terms of your preseason, hows it been?

KF: “I’ve had a few niggles over the preseason, but for the most part, pretty good.”

Q: In terms of your role on-field this year, where do you expect to play most of your footy?

KF: “Hopefully more midfield. I’ve been playing a lot of forward the last two years, so hopefully pushing into the midfield a bit more.”

Q: What are some the strengths in your game you’re looking to show there?

KF: “Definitely my kicking and then goal sense.”

Q: In terms of your improvements, what are you still working on?

KF: “Just my defensive pressure and my tackling.”

Q: Do you watch a lot of footy and who do you support?

KF: “Yeah, Essendon.”

Q: Any players you look up to?

KF: “In the AFLW I like Tayla Harris and then men’s probably Darcy Parish.”

Q: Have you set up any goals for the year?

KF: “Hopefully play some Metro games this year and then we’ll see hoping to get drafted would be good too.”

Q: What would it mean to represent the state and wear the ‘Big V’ and play at such a high level?

KF: “It would mean heaps. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I was little, so being able to do it is pretty good.”

Q: Have you thought about where you might like to end up come draft time? Are you happy to travel?

KF: “I haven’t thought about it too much. I think it would be awesome to travel interstate as well and play.”