A SKILLFUL tall who can clunk a mark and play across all three lines on the field, Jovie Skewes-Clinton is a unique prospect in this year’s AFLW Draft. A member of the Vic Country hub, Skewes-Clinton has predominantly played in defence in the past with stints forward and through the mid, and that showed through her start to the Coates Talent League Girls season.
Skewes-Clinton often begins in the back 50 and is thrown forward to provide a different look, and has booted hauls of three and five goals for a total of nine majors across four games. She is also averaging 18.3 disposals, 2.5 marks, 3.5 tackles, 2.5 inside 50s and 2.0 rebound 50s.
We spoke to Skewes-Clinton at the Coates Talent League Girls Preseason Testing event about her football journey, games and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Jovie, tell us a bit about your football journey?
JSK: “I started playing when I was about eight or so and I’ve just loved it since, I’ve always had brothers who played so I’ve always wanted to and always loved it. Then got started at the Rebels at Under 16s and been there since.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
JSK: “I’d say my aerial skills and kicking.”
Q: What about the improvements you’re looking to make?
JSK: “A bit of my kicking variation and probably my endurance as well.”
Q: What role do you think you’ll play this year?
JSK: “I’d say mostly off half-back and a bit through the mid as well.”
Q: Which AFL/W club you support?
JSK: “Tigers.”
Q: Reason for that?
JSK: “My brother played for Springbank which is yellow and black when he was young and dad also supported the Tigers.”
Q: Which player do you model your game on at the top level?
JSK: “I like a bit of Chloe Molloy, the way she goes about it. Couldn’t see her play last year which was not great, but probably her.”
Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?
JSK: “I’d say my family.”
Q: Finally, what goals you set for yourself this year?
JSK: “To get into the Vic Country squad would be a good thing, and just have fun with it.”
