TOUTED as a player to watch by coach Emma Zielke, Brisbane Lions Academy defender Jemma Foley is a top-ager just aiming to be the best she can possibly be. Not getting too caught up in her draft year, Foley stays in the moment and just seeks to improve her game in any way possible, loving Aussie rules and the social aspects of it.
We spoke to Foley at the Queensland Preseason Testing event where she told us of her footy journey, mentors and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Jemma, tell us a bit about your footy journey?
JF: “I started playing all sports in school. Softball, cricket, anything like that. I was actually interested in soccer, and then my brothers played football and then my dad got me involved. So I started my career when I was eight in Under 13s and I also played in the boys league. I’ve always enjoyed football, I love the spirit and environment around it, but I’d definitely say my dad is one who got me into football.”
Q: In terms of your game, what do you look at as your strengths and improvements?
JF: “I think my strength has always been the short kick 45, or handball receives, able to read the game. Weaknesses or things to improve on, there’s many, but I would say my biggest thing is either fitness because I really want to explore more of the ground and fitness wise to be able to run. Either that or overhead marking, I’d love to be able to jump up high and grab those marks. I’d say those are the two improvements.”
Q: Where do you think you’ll play positionally this year?
JF: “I love centre half-back. I wouldn’t mind to actually run around in the mids, but I think I’d prefer to stay at centre half-back.”
Q: Look at mentors along the way, who’s someone whose had an influence on your career?
JF: “There’s probably a few. But a big one I like the play in AFL Men’s I’d say mine is Marcus Bontempelli. I love his gamestyle, I just love how he can read that ball from the backline back into the forwardline. I’d say he’d be AFL Men’s mentor that I look up to.”
Q: What club do you support at AFL/W level?
JF: “I don’t know if I should say this… I’ll say Lions. But I’m also a Doggies fan from my grandad who was a big supporter.”
Q: On your individual journey, who’s had the most influence through the pathways?
JF: “I’ll say individually my mum and dad. They’ve definitely supported me throughout my entire career. They always wanted the best for me no matter what the decision was, so I think mum and dad, they travel everywhere with me, so I’d say them. They’re my number one supporters.”
Q: Finally, what goals do you set for yourself this year?
JF: “My goals are very interesting to other people’s goals. I think mine is I just want to see what the best I can be, whether anywhere on the footy ground or off it. I would love to see where I can actually go with my skills, either top league or not, I wouldn’t mind, I just want to see where I can go.”
