OAKLEIGH Chargers tall defender Zara Neuwirth has had plenty of experiences over the last few seasons, from winning the Coates Talent League Girls flag with Oakleigh Chargers, to making and playing a role in Vic Metro’s successful AFLW Under 18 Championships campaign as well.
Now in her top-age season, the ultra-athletic tall is hoping to further improve her offensive game to match that of her defensive one, and we spoke to her in the preseason about her journey, game and who she looks up to at the top level.
Q: Zara tell us a bit about your footy journey?
ZN: “I started playing because some of my friends were and I wanted to join in at Kew Rovers and my dad really supported me and he really encouraged me to go in and have a crack. Then I guess I was pretty athletic so it came a bit naturally, so I got the chance to play for Oakleigh and been giving it a crack ever since.”
Q: In terms of your role, are you going to keep playing defence or other positions in mind?
ZN: “I think that this year I’ll keep playing defensive. I think that I’ve played other positions, but it’s where I’ve been the most comfortable and really able to show off my talents and what I can do. I’m not opposed to other positions, it’s just where I’ve ended up and I like it, I’m happy there.”
Q: What do you see as some of your strengths?
ZN: “I think my strengths would be my selflessness and putting the team first and just focusing on my role of shutting down a player and trying to do that.”
Q: What are you looking to improve on?
ZN: “I’m working to improve my aerial skills so I can have a bit more of a presence and be a bit more dangerous coming off my player and having more of an impact.”
Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?
ZN: “Probably my dad. He’s taken me to every training, every game. He always comes and watches which is really nice.”
Q: Which AFL/W club do you support?
ZN: “I support Hawks in the men’s, but with the women I just support the teams I know people playing for.”
Q: Why did you decide to go with the Hawks originally, family?
ZN: “Yeah my dad went for them so I went for them too.”
Q: Who’s a player you look up to at the top level?
ZN: “I really look up to Lucy Cronin. Having played with her, against her and she’s been a big help, lots of good advice and I just really like the way that she plays defensively.”
Q: Just going forward, what goals do you set for yourself this year?
ZN: “I set myself the goal of just really cracking in and having fun. That’s the main thing that I want to get out of this year just to play my best football.”
