HARD-RUNNING wing Emma Juneja looms as Sydney Swans Academy’s top Academy draft prospect in the December 16 AFLW Draft, having pieced together a consistent top-age season. She played across multiple competitions for the Academy, Allies and Sydney University, as well as running out for the National Academy.

We spoke to Juneja at the AFLW National Draft Combine to find out about her season and how she enjoyed the various experiences.

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

EJ: “I started when I was 11 at East Sydney Bulldogs in Sydney. I really got involved through it because I had such a good coach and he stuck with me all the way through to Under 17s. I also tried out for the Sydney Swans Academy in Under 12s, so I’ve been doing that for the past six years as well. I’ve also recently joined Sydney University this year as well to play in the Women’s Premier League.”

Q: Speaking of Sydney Uni, you had a great season, what was that like playing senior footy?

EJ: “It’s definitely a lot more physical than you get at Under 18s which I really enjoy. We had such a great group of girls, we ended up doing pretty well. I think we were good well connected team which lead to our success coming from just making finals to finishing up in third place which was really exciting.”

Q: How was that experience playing the preliminary final against (now three-time premiers) East Coast Eagles?

EJ: “It was definitely a challenge. I think East Coast have such a stacked team and they always do well, so definitely challenging. But it was a good experience.”

Q: You also got the opportunity to play with Swans through the Coates Talent League, how’d you find that?

EJ: “I really enjoyed that, especially the travel games that we had. It was really fun because our team was really close and well connected, so had a lot of fun on those trips as well as the coaches. Really enjoyed that, a few challenging games against some of the Coates Talent League teams, but yeah again, just a good experience to get that exposure.”

Q: How did you find your role playing on a wing? Is that your preferred position?

EJ: “Yeah being on the wing is probably my preferred role. It is a bit of a tricky position sometimes to work out the positioning or where you need to be, but I really enjoyed playing in it, because you get a better view of the whole game, you can help out in defence, then push up and attack, sometimes score a few goals which is good.”

Q: You also represented the Allies, what was that carnival like?

EJ: “It’s definitely always a challenge for the Allies coming together. I think before that Vic Metro game we met our teammates two days before, so that was definitely a challenge. But it was really exciting for us to come together and get that win against Queensland. I think that came from the coaching that we got bringing us all together and work as one team instead of working as a separate set of states.”

Q: On your own game, what do you see as some of your strengths?

EJ: “I would say my strengths are my two-way running ability, my agility running on the outside.”

Q: How about some of the improvements you’re looking to make?

EJ: “At the moment i’m looking to improve on my tackle pressure, so improving strength in the gym and also working on my tackling technique.

Q: Which player at the top level do you compare yourself to?

EJ: “I’m very inspired by Errol Gulden from the Sydney Swans especially when he plays on the wing, he’s such an exciting player to watch. His efficiency inside forward 50 is very impressive.”

Q: You’re part of the Swans Academy, with the AFLW Draft coming up, how much contact do you have with the Swans throughout the year?

EJ: “Quite a bit of contact with them just staying in the loop, but I think just wait and see how the AFL season goes before any decisions are made.”

Q: This year it’s a National Draft, is travelling interstate something you’ve considered?

EJ: “Yeah definitely. I think over the last six months especially it seems like something that could be a possibility. It’s really exciting that the girls have moved to a national draft which is the same system as the boys. I think it would be exciting to move interstate.”