RECENT SANFL Women’s debutant Lottie Almond has always had a love for football so when her opportunity came around, she took it with both hands. After biding her time through the local leagues, she moved into Norwood juniors, got a second chance in the State Academy over the summer and on the weekend cracked in for her first League game.
We spoke to Almond at the South Australian Preseason Testing Day about her journey, game and goals for the season.
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Q: Lottie, tell us a bit about your footy journey?
LA: “Basically I got into footy from my brother and dad, so obviously it was in my family a bit but my brother’s been playing since Under 7s really young. Then as he went through, the girls programs got introduced and that’s when I was getting into it. I always kicked the ball out the back with him and stuff like that, and when I heard the Under 12 girls was out at Tea Tree Gully my local club, I thought I’d give that a crack, so went out with my friend, my neighbour and we got into it there and started in Under 12s.
“Went through that a bit, then Under 14s the Norwood juniors was introduced, so then I got invited out to that, and then obviously trialled for that and got in. Then with that, the years went on so I think I had two years in Under 14s and then Under 17 Norwood which was two years so I just finished my last year in Under 17 Norwood and I also played Tea Tree Gully Under 18s.
“I’ve gone right up to Under 18s at Tea Tree Gully and last season I was invited out to Norwood women’s and then that’s when I got introduced into the SANFLW and that kind of higher level of footy. I made my Development League debut and that’s how far I’ve gotten at the moment and obviously getting into the State Academy. I got into the State Academy last year but didn’t make it which was a real down for me. Obviously got invited out again so going through that at the moment.”
Q: For you being invited again this year what was that like when you received the call?
LA: “I was really excited, I got onto the phone to my dad and he told me ‘oh my god, oh my god’ and I’m finding it’s an opportunity. I obviously want to go up to that top level and really trying to make it this year as a top-ender.”
Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?
LA: “I think as a top-ender I think I’d like to be like a leader obviously for the younger girls. I like to think of myself as an encouraging teammate, someone who looks out for other people on the field. I’ll be looking out for my teammates and I’m hard working, determined.”
Q: What position are you hoping to play this season?
LA: “I’m hoping to play inside mid, that’s what I’m aiming for, but they’re looking at medium forward at the moment so on that half-forward flank. But striving to get in that inside midfield position.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
LA: “Probably my endurance, just being able to run all day and being able to push to those next contests and being a pressure player. Also just my speed up and down the field as well.”
Q: What are you looking to improve on?
LA: “One of my things I’ve been working on is my stoppage craft, so what’s my kind of role in the craft? You know, how to beat my opponent, how can I become a clearance player? That sort of stuff.”
Q: AFL/W club you support?
LA: “I’d probably say the Crows.”
Q: Who’s had the most influence on your career?
LA: “My parents. Just they’re always there for me, always encouraging me ‘you can do it’. My dad’s out the front kicking the footy or my mum’s she’s just there always helping me and encouraging me and that’s really important.”
Q: Who’s a player you look up to at the top level or model your game on?
LA: “Ebony Marinoff. She’s a hard player, she’s always putting in the work on the side and she’s just amazing all her skills, the fundamentals are just insane.”
Q: Going forward, what goals do you set for yourself this year?
LA: “This year I’d like to make my debut for League in Norwood, that’s something that I’m aiming for and obviously making this state team so making the cut.”
