WHILE injury has interrupted different parts of her past two seasons, Swan Districts talent Carys D’Addario is ready to make 2025 her year. The strong inside midfielder who can also play off half-forward has shown plenty of signs throughout her double bottom-age and bottom-age season that she has the ability to take her game to another level and is a member of the West Australian Summer Squad.
We spoke to D’Addario about her journey, inspirations and aspirations for the future. at the recent WAFL Women’s Preseason Testing event.
Q: Carys, tell us a bit about your footy journey?
CD: “I’ve been playing footy since I was like five. Don’t really know why, just kind of grew up playing with the boys in the playground and started playing with the boys. In Year 9 came over to Swans and from there played with the girls. Had a full season in Rogers and then moved into the League side. Got an injury quite early in the season, so that ruled me out. I was able to get majority of the season under my belt this past year. Had a pretty good season there, and then I got injured towards the end, so missed out on finals and a couple of state games but it’s been really fun so far looking to get back into it.
Q: How’s it been over the preseason coming back from those injuries and able to get back into it?
CD: “Good I feel like I’ve done quite a bit of work in the preseason and down at training I’m pretty much back to full speed, full everything and feel good. Just can’t wait to get back into it.”
Q: More full-time mid this year or some forward time?
CD: “Thinking full-time mid, that’s what it was looking like at Swans. Not quite sure yet role at States whether it’s bringing the ball into the 50, but maybe better time in the midfield even if I roll forward or roll back really.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
CD: “Probably my skills and decision making. So finding the right option then delivering it to them, and footy IQ as well.”
Q: What are you looking to improve on?
CD: “I think my fitness would be number one. Just being able to run out full games as well, work on my explosiveness and speed around the contest so hopefully I can improve them and get better at them.”
Q: What player do you look up to at the top level?
CD: “I like Daisy Pearce because I think she has really good skills and footy IQ. I used to look up to her in that aspect, and as well as Mon Conti just her speed and just being able to hunt the ball I look up to her as well.”
Q: AFL/W club you support?
CD: “West Coast Eagles.”
Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?
CD: “Probably my dad. I mean he taught me how to kick a footy and I don’t know if it’s a good thing, but he’d always give me his own advice. Obviously I’d listen to the coaches but he’s always there as well and what he has to say is pretty much majority of the time lines up with the coaches. He’s just helped me a long way through as well.
Q: Finally, what goals do you set for yourself this year?
CD: “Just to have a quality season at Swans would be my goal. Make it through the season unharmed, uninjured and hopefully play a couple of state games towards the end of the year and hopefully I’m up there with getting drafted.”
