STAR dual-sided talent Chloe Bown is one of the top Victorian prospects in this year’s AFLW Draft, having already impressed as a bottom-ager for Vic Metro and being a member of the National Academy. The Oakleigh Chargers star is a midfielder-forward with plenty of weapons and inflicts maximum damage on the opposition with her work out of the stoppage and when forward.

We spoke to Bown at the recent Coates Talent League Girls Preseason Testing Day.

LAST SEASON STATISTICS

Q&A

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

CB: “I started playing different sports like lifesaving, basketball and then I moved across when I was 12 years-old and I only joined because all my friends were playing and I wanted to get involved. My best friend’s dad was the coach and he just said ‘come down’ and I played five games my first season. Since then I’ve played every season and now I’m with the Oakleigh Chargers who I’ve been with for two seasons.”

Q: What is your role this year mid/fwd?

CB: “Probably mid, my preferred position and a bit of high-forward.”

Q: Are you a left footer or right footer as you seem to use both a lot?

CB: “I’m a right footer, but I practice a lot with my left foot.”

Q: What strengths do you see in your game?

CB: “Probably read of the play and being able to kick on both feet.”

Q: What about the improvements you’re looking to make?

CB: “Three things actually. My variation of kicks, so both short, 45s, lowering my eyes and also longer kicks. Then also strength, obviously as the levels get higher, you need to be more physical, and also speed, explosive steps out of a contest.”

Q: Your experience with Vic Metro, what’s that been like?

CB: “It’s been amazing. The girls are all so talented in all the teams, and the coaching is amazing, and there’s so much support around you.”

Q: You got a National Academy invite, how was that for you when you found out?

CB: “It was funny actually. I got a call from Tarkyn (Lockyer) who’s the Academy coach and he’s been a big supporter of my footy over many years because he lives just down the road from me. He called me and told me that I made it, so it was pretty crazy. I couldn’t really believe it until I got to the camp, and the level was so high and so many talented girls.”

Q: Which AFL/W club do you support?

CB: “Hawks.”

Q: Is there a reason for it?

CB: “I’ve just grown up Hawks since birth.”

Q: Who do you look up at the top level?

CB: “Monique Conti, she’s awesome.”

Q: In terms of most influence on your individual career?

CB: “I’d have to say three people. First the guy who actually got me into footy, Stu Spiden. He was the coach of my local team and he was the one who made me get into footy first. Then also Ty (Vickery) who’s been a massive support, he’s my Oakleigh coach. He’s been so great over two years. Then also Tarkyn who I’ve known since I was playing basketball and he’s also been such a big support in my footy.”

What goals do you set for yourself this year?

CB: “Well I’m very excited to play for Oakleigh for a third season, so another premiership would be awesome with them. Then I think playing well in the bigger games like Vic Metro, finals time and Academy is really important. Then just consistency through the whole season.”