BOASTING a booming left peg and competitive overhead and at ground level, Gippsland Power’s Ella Stoddart is one of only a couple of Vic Country players in the National Academy member. An MVP winner for her state at Under 16s level, Stoddart has progressed through the pathway and long been touted as one to watch from this year’s AFLW Draft crop.
We spoke to the powerful top-ager about her football journey, game and inspirations along the way at the Coates Talent League Girls Preseason Testing event.
Q: Ella, tell us a bit about your footy journey?
ES: “I started when I was about four or five. I did Auskick and I played with the boys. My passion came from my brother because I have a lot of older people in my life and they all played footy so I naturally tagged along and I fell in love with it ever since.”
Q: Coming through the Vic Country you won the 16s MVP, what was that like and then filtering into Gippy?
ES: “I feel like that was very humbling. It was a very good experience at the 16s carnival, I feel like I got a lot out of that. It was definitely a lot of takeaways, but it was pretty cool to be able to bring that I have back to Gippy and show what I’ve learnt and put it into practice.”
Q: You also got a taste of the Vic Country Under 18s last year, how do you think it sets you up for this year?
ES: “I feel like it definitely helped me. It was really good to learn off all those older people. Just I got the experience under my belt which was really handy for me to bring back to Gippy and it just helped me get me to where I am.”
Q: This year there’s unfortunately no Ash Centra anymore. What’s it feel like now you’re the top-ager?
ES: “It was really cool to play alongside Ash. Obviously she’s a very good player, but she was very humble as well, so it was very cool to be able to take what she’s learnt. She’s always very talkative on the field and helped everyone out a lot, and we’re all super grateful for that. I guess it just helps me with this year to show me where to go.”
Q: What role do you think you’ll play this year?
ES: “Not too sure. I’m hoping to get some midfield time this year, but probably somewhere in the half-back or in the midfield, fingers crossed.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
ES: “I feel like some of my strengths are my run and carry and my kicking.”
Q: What about the improvements you’re looking to make?
ES: “Maybe my aerial work, could be getting more explosive when I come off the ground and just getting to that contest quicker, would be one of my priorities to focus on this year.”
Q: Which AFL/W club you support?
ES: “Essendon.”
Q: Is there a reason for that?
ES: “Well my whole family barracked for Essendon, so it’s just natural for me to go for them. So I’ve been one-eyed Essendon every since, probably because my favourite player was Dyson Heppell so that lead me there.”
Q: Is there a player at the top level you model your game on?
ES: “Probably Monique Conti, I love the way she plays. Even though she’s a midfielder, I just like to take her run and carry or her ball movement and try and put that into my game because she’s such a good all-rounded player and very cool to watch.”
Q: Who’s had the most influence on your career do you think?
ES: “Probably my parents. They support me no matter what, so I’m super grateful to have them in my corner.”
Q: Finally, in terms of the goals, what do you set for yourself this year?
ES: “I’ve set myself quite a few goals, but mainly just to try and be a good teammate and through all the programs that I’m participating in, try and learn as much as I can and just try and bring my knowledge into my team and teach all the other people back at Gippy. Be the best teammate I can be.”
