SPEEDY Ella Sergi is a top-age talent with plenty of defensive attributes that catch the eye. Boasting some outstanding athletic traits to-boot, Sergi has been cutting her teeth at Development League level this season. The Central District small is one of 45 players vying for a spot in the South Australian Under 18s squad of 30 and that, along with making her League debut are her goals for season 2025.

We spoke to Sergi at the South Australian Preseason Testing Day about her footy journey, mentors and who inspires her on and off the field.

Q: Ella, tell us a bit about your footy journey from when you first picked up a ball until now?

ES: “I first started picking up a footy at my brother footy trainings, my older brother. From there I was playing netball at the time and then I’d always come and watch his game on the weekends and just thought ‘oh I should give this a try’. I was starting to get a bit bored of netball when it was getting a bit easy, so I started playing footy with the boys. It was scary at first but I learnt to love the game and it was a really good experience and now I’m here.”

Q: Have you had any mentors along the way with your football?

ES: “My first football coach, his name was Brad Hunt. Being the only girl in a male-dominated sport, it was really hard because there was obviously no one else like me and he was really good during my time in the boys team and now playing with men’s at Central District, there’s a lot of good coaches and girls around.”

Q: How’s the preseason been?

ES: “It’s going really well, I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s my first year this year, it’s good to play with girls my age and just see all the talent, it’s really good.”

Q: Can you describe yourself as a player?

ES: “Small, quick and I would say I have good tackling pressure. My nickname at my club is ‘Speedy Sergi’.”

Q: You spoke about a few strengths, but what you still looking to work on?

ES: “Probably my aerial work. Being a small player, I need to work on jumping in the air and positioning myself in ways that will help me spoil the ball being a smaller player.”

Q: Do you watch a lot of footy and who do you support?

ES: “Yes, I go for Geelong in the men’s and Crows in the women’s because there wasn’t a Geelong team to begin with.”

Q: Any reason for Geelong in the men’s?

ES: “My mum goes for Geelong so it kind of got put onto me, but I do love Joel Selwood and Gary Ablett.”

Q: Are there any players you look up to or mould your own game on?

ES: “Just within my club, definitely Shelby Smith. Five-time best and fairest winner and midfielder also the same as me, so she was very good to be around and she was not only our captain, but also helped coach me on the field. That was really good, and AFLW I would say, Erin Phillips which like a lot of people would say, but she’s just very inspiring. Also Tayla Harris. All the hate that she went through and the way she went about it was really inspiring.”

Q: Lastly, in terms of the goals for the year, is there anything you want to tick off in particular?

ES: “My main goal this year would be to debut for League. That’s something I’m really working towards so really hoping for that. Also making state would be really good as well.”