MURRAY Bushrangers top-ager Rain Dodd is enjoying a strong season at the Country side, looking to press her case for further hours and become the best player she can possibly be. Across her past two games she has averaged 25.0 disposals, going to another level in challenging conditions.
Capable of playing just about any role for the team, Dodd is a smart footballer who thrives on the contested nature of football. We spoke to her at the Coates Talent League Girls Preseason Testing event.
Q: Rain, tell us a bit about your footy journey?
RD: “I’ve played (rugby) league all my life and I started in Sydney, moved to Wodonga, got to the age where we weren’t allowed to play with the boys anymore so the next contact sport available was AFL for girls. It had just started in my area, think it was its second year going. Played the under 14s and ended up loving it because it was a sport I could go and play with all my sisters. I think I played with four of my sisters and I’ve been able to play with my mum so it’s given me so many opportunities.”
Q: Where are you in terms of age order with your sisters?
RD: “I’m the third oldest of nine.”
Q: You’ve already had one go through the Bushies, so what was that like?
RD: “It was amazing. She was definitely one of my big influences. I probably wouldn’t tell that to her face but she definitely played a big part and inspired me with my footy journey.”
Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?
RD: “I try to be hard working, friendly, competitive and really driven.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
RD: “I would definitely say tackling, footwork and probably my IQ.”
Q: What improvements are you looking to make?
RD: “Definitely my fitness, there’s always more fitness you can always get better, as well as my agility. I’ve got good footwork but my quickness and my agility can get up there as well.”
Q: Do you watch a lot of footy?
RD: “Not necessarily. Mainly AFL, but I do follow small highlights of footy.”
Q: Which AFL/W club do you support?
RD: “Geelong Cats.”
Q: Any reason for that?
RD: “Nina Morrison. I met her once and I just idolised her from there. Watched all her highlights to try and build my IQ. I’m not good at sitting there to watch through a whole game of footy, but if I could watch highlights I’d definitely choose to watch Nina Morrison’s and try and base my game off hers.”
Q: What goals are you setting yourself for this year?
RD: “I want to be a dominating midfielder. I want to be able to be versatile utility. I’m not very tall but I want to try and improve my marks, be consistent and things like that.”
