ATHLETIC key position players come in high demand, and Bendigo Pioneers’ tall Ava Bibby fits that mould. The Sandhurst prospect took her game up a notch thanks to a confidence-boosting five-goal haul and never looked back, also rotating into the ruck, and has even spent time behind the ball as well.

We spoke to Bibby at the Coaates Talent League Girls Preseason Testing Day about her journey, experiences and who she looks up to at the elite level.

Q: Ava, give us a rundown into your football journey?

AB: “I originally started off just watching footy and then I saw one of my best friends play so I thought that would be fun to do so obviously joined up, started with the boys for a few years and then developed into Sandhurst and then played V/Line, Under 16s Vic Country, got into the Pios program from an early age around 14 so been in there for a while. Then obviously been in the summer hub camp for a few years now so that’s been great and top-age year now.”

Q: You had a bit of a breakout game with five goals and continued on from that, what was it about that game that really kick-started your year?

AB: “I think just having the belief in myself that I am good enough and just believing that I can do everything that anyone else can. Just confidence is a big thing and that obviously increased throughout the year and I attacked my footy which showed on the field towards the end of the year.”

Q: Playing in the Under 17s Futures game, what was that like for you?

AB: “That was an awesome experience, just meeting a bunch of new girls, some I already knew. Just gelling together, we played pretty well, so it was a great experience to play on GMHBA and watch the AFLW game afterwards so that was cool.”

Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?

AB: “Definitely my kicking. I love hitting targets, I love kicking goals on both feet as well. I like to consider myself pretty good on my left. Then definitely my athleticism, I think I can get around the ground well and below my knees.”

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

AB: “Definitely just my contested marking. I think I can become really good at that if I believe in myself because I’ve got the height for it, so my contested marking and bringing the ball to ground if I’m out of position.”

Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?

AB: “My parents. Just been able to take me to trainings everywhere, they’ve just been awesome in supporting me throughout my whole journey and they haven’t stopped so it’s been really good.”

Q: AFL/W club you support?

AB: “I support Collingwood in the AFL and I support pretty much everybody in the AFLW, just love to watch a few certain players that I can get a few tips and tricks from.”

Q: Is there anyone you model your game on?

AB: “Definitely Matilda Scholz from Port Adelaide. I think she’s a very exciting, attacking, up-and-coming young ruck. Obviously can go forward and kick a few goals so really like the idea of that. Just love the way she goes about her footy, she’s just fearless out on the field.”

Q: Finally, what goals do you set yourself?

AB: “Just to play consistent footy, hopefully play every game. Be the best leader I can be for the team and off the field as well, try and help our team out in every way possible. Obviously the main goal is to get drafted, but just for the moment just playing consistent footy.”