TENACIOUS Glenelg top-ager Matilda Wilmore has some top speed and a great defensive approach to her football, with the youngster hoping to make the South Australian final squad this year. She made the cut last year but as a bottom-ager missed out on taking the field in the tri-colours, though has had plenty of senior experience over the last two seasons.

We spoke to Wilmore at the South Australian Preseason Testing about her footy journey, inspirations and what goals she sets for herself in 2025.

Q: Matilda, just give us a bit of a rundown into your football journey?

MW: “I started playing in Under 10s in 2017 at Plympton Bulldogs. Then did a lot of the Academy stuff for Glenelg and then I trialled in 2022 and then I got selected to play for the seniors.”

Q: What was it like been part of the state squad last year?

MW: “It was a really good opportunity, especially as a bottom-ager last year. I learnt a lot, especially from the older girls and I think Charlotte Riggs was someone who really inspired me. She’s so out there and I think that really pushed me to start to speak up more.”

Q: What was it like playing a bit of a role change last season?

MW: “It was definitely interesting. I’ve never really played backline before so it was interesting and quite fun, I really enjoyed it while I did play there and a little bit in the midfield too which is really good to be around it.”

Q: Where do you think you’ll play this year for Glenelg?

MW: “At the moment it’s looking like forwardline and then pushing into the mid.”

Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?

MW: “Usually I get told my groundballs are pretty good and my speed as well pushing out of the pack.”

Q: What are you looking to improve on?

MW: “Probably at the moment it’s like aerial marking and going up against taller people, especially in the forwardline. I think that would be a good skill to get better at.”

Q: Who’s had the greatest influence on your career?

MW: “Oh my gosh, there’s so many people I could say. Probably my aunty Chelsea (Hocking), she’s coaching in the Dev team and she’s been there the whole time and she’s probably my biggest influence.”

Q: What AFL/W club do you support?

MW: “Crows.”

Q: Is there a player you look up to or model your game on at the top level?

MW: “Sarah Goodwin I really look up to her. I got the chance to play with her in the school team when I was in Year 8 and it was like the best thing ever. I really look up to her and hope I can play like her some day.”

Q: Finally, what goals do you set for yourself this year?

MW: “I’m hoping to get more League games so I’ve really been working towards getting my fitness better than what it was last year and I really think I’ve succeeded at that and I want to be able to kick more goals.”