IF THERE was a player in the draft crop that defined work rate, then West Adelaide’s Lucy Waye would be near the top of that list. The tenacious Bloods forward who can also play on a wing or even inside has a high competitiveness that sees her consistently go contest to contest at SANFL Women’s level. Having missed out on selection with the Under 18s squad last year, Waye earned an invite off the back of superb form in the state league competition.
Following on with that form in 2025, Waye has quickly been impressing everyone with her consistency and impact for the Bloods. We spoke to her at the SANFL Women’s Preseason Testing Day about her footy journey, game and the potential of relocating for her football.
Q: Lucy, you’ve come into the U18s squad after playing SANFLW over the Summer how’s that been getting the invite?
LW: “Well I did do the 16s, I was in the squad but didn’t get selected to play the games, so that wasn’t great but then I obviously missed out first year 18s but I’m back for the second year 18s.”
Q: From that perspective, what does it mean for you that you were able to get in after missing out?
LW: “I’ve put in a lot of work since the 16s to work my way back up here so I’m pretty happy that I did get the opportunity to come back.”
Q: From a footy journey perspective, how did you get started and get through the pathways?
LW: “I think I started playing football when I was maybe 13, so Year 7 I played school footy, loved it, made dad go sign me up to go play for Goodwood Saints. Then obviously had so much fun, then got asked to come into the Westies juniors. I did get invited out the year before but I did have a stress fracture so I was out the whole year. From that program went straight up to the SANFLW when I was 15 and then got my first League game last year and played the rest of the season in the League squad.”
Q: Last year you managed to kick quite a few goals last year in that forward half, do you see yourself playing forward again?
LW: “I’ve been rotating in the mid this preseason which I’m really enjoying because I’m one of the experienced players even though I’ve only been there a couple of years. I do like playing forward, but I also have been getting a run in the mid.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
LW: “I’d say I’m pretty quick and a lot of determination, like see ball, get ball, repeat efforts, I just won’t stop going at the ball.”
Q: What about your improvements?
LW: “It would probably be utilising my teammates, recognising that they’re there. Coming from like I’m all the other girls have done this, doing everything in local football to then coming up to League football who can come and support. But also a bit of confidence too, it’s taken me a while to where I am to feel happy and feel like I’m part of the team.”
Q: Which AFL/W club you support?
LW: “I go for the Crows.”
Q: Is there a player you model your game on or look up to?
LW: “There’s a girl in my team now, Hannah Button. She used to play for the Crows. She’s helped me through a lot of developing my skills and social aspect throughout the team so I really look up to her, she’s a good inspiration for me.”
Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?
LW: “Probably my dad. My dad’s helped me through a lot of stuff and I’m here because of him.”
Q: What goals do you set yourself for this year?
LW: “I’d love to really do well in this league. This whole year I want to have a great season, I want to be out there as some of the best in that team and I’d love to see if I could get picked up and get drafted.”
Q: On that point, it’s a National Draft now, is that something you’ve got in the back of your mind if you did have to relocate to play footy?
LW: “I would be so keen for that. I’d actually rather leave and go to a different club than stay here in Adelaide. Fresh start, it would be really cool to travel around.”
