KEY FORWARD Grace Parsons is a name to remember in this year’s AFLW Draft, one of a number of rising talents from New South Wales who is quickly making a name for herself. The St George Dragons ruck has established herself as a strong marking forward who is safe as houses with her set shots, and Parsons has set her sights on donning the red and white at the elite level.
We spoke to Parsons recently about her football journey, what it was like playing in St George’s inaugural AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division season, and what goals she sets for herself this year.
Q: Grace, tell us a little bit about your footy journey?
GP: “My brother was playing when he was in Auskick so I would be down at ym local footy oval just having a kick around. I’m pretty sure the president saw me and my dad kicking and came over and approached me and was like ‘come down and have a kick, I think you’ll enjoy it, there are a few girls who are nice and soft’. I went down, had a game and I loved it.”
Q: What is it about footy that you’ve loved so much that has kept you doing it?
GP: “Definitely the social aspect of it. I love my friends, I’ve made so many friends, I love winning.”
Q: Did you play other sports growing up?
GP: “Yeah I played netball and I played basketball. I played netball since I was in the nursery so that’s when you’re like six. I grew up playing netball, but obviously went into footy and loved it.”
Q: Have you always been a forward?
GP: “I played ruck at my local footy club, St George Dragons, and then this saw me as a tall forward at Swans and I think I fit the role pretty well.”
Q: With that club coming up to the Premier League what’s that been like?
GP: “I haven’t played too many games, but I had a few games last year, but it’s definitely a good comp, very competitive. I love my club, it’s such a good social aspect, everyone’s so kind.”
Q: On your game, what do you see as some of your strengths?
GP: “Definitely just getting the ball to ground, marking, goalkicking. I’d hope to say that I’m good at picking the best option, what’s available.”
Q: What are you looking to improve on at the moment?
GP: “Definitely my groundballs, that’s a big one. Probably getting a bit stronger and maybe just a little bit more running.”
Q: Is there anyone who’s had a particular influence on your career?
GP: “I love Ally Morphett. She’s amazing, but I feel like my parents, they’re really good at keeping me going. They’re a good support system. My friends definitely, and just the footy club in general, the Swans Academy, they’re amazing.”
Q: Looking ahead to the draft, have you thought about staying in Sydney or going interstate?
GP: “I’d like to just stay in Sydney, but honestly wherever I can go, the goal is to play AFLW. So whatever’s there.”
Q: I assume you’ve grown up supporting the Swans?
GP: “Yeah definitely, Sydney Swans supporter.”
Q: In terms of the goals you set yourself this year?
GP: “Definitely making Allies and being drafted obviously one of them, but just have to wait and see. Have to keep playing the rest of the Coates league and we’ll just see.”
