A NATIONAL Academy member, Swans Academy ruck Madeleine Quinn is one of the top tall draft prospects in this year’s AFLW Draft crop. Quinn has outstanding athleticism, and can impact both in the air and at ground level, not afraid to get involved in transition and can become that modern “fourth midfielder” once the ruck contest is over.
We spoke to Quinn at the recent Swans Academy Preseason Testing Day to find out about her story, as well as what she’s looking to work on and who she looks up to at the elite level.
Q: Tell us a bit about your footy journey?
MQ: “I started in the Under 11s at Maroubra Saints just with friends and it was really fun, we won the grand final that year so I guess it kept me in it. Been playing ever since.”
Q: Had any mentors along the way that have helped your footballing journey?
MQ: “Definitely my coaches. I had Hayley Kirk as my coach, and then definitely the Swans coaches, they’ve been so supportive and encouraging, it’s been really good.”
Q: Have you played any other sports along the way?
MQ: “I did a couple, netball was the other main one I was doing for a while, and then I stopped that and focused on AFL.”
Q: How high of a level did you get in netball?
MQ: “I did reps up until Under 12s, stopped that and then just kept playing with friends for a bit, and then stopped after that.”
Q: You’re in the AFLW Academy, hows that been?
MQ: “It’s been really good, really fun. Just getting that exposure to the high performance stuff’s been really good.”
Q: Have you made some friends across the country?
MQ: “It’s been really good, everyone’s super nice and welcoming.”
Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?
MQ: “I’d say I’m very competitive, hard working, definitely team player, always want to encourage my teammates.”
Q: What are some of the things you’re looking to improve on?
MQ: “Definitely my kicking. Just making sure I’m hitting the targets, and then probably just groundballs. Being tall, i want to be good on the ground as well.”
Q: Do you watch a lot of footy and a Swans supporter?
MQ: “Yeah.”
Q: Are there other players you look up to and mould your game on?
MQ: “Definitely Ally Morphett from Sydney Swans, definitely look up to her and want to play like her.”
Q: Have you been able to train with them at all?
MQ: “We’ve done some kicking with Kicking Dynamics together, and she’s been good. Just being around her and seeing how she trains.”
Q: What goals do you set yourself for the season?
MQ: “I guess just play every Swans game, hopefully make Allies, play those games and then just play the National Academy games which will be good.”
Q: You played in the Allies last year, what was that experience like?
MQ: “Yeah really fun, had a great win against against Queensland which was really good, and being a high performance squad, it was just really good.”
