GREATER Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels defender Elsie Conroy might have missed out on the initial Vic Country summer hub, but through some consistent form at Coates Talent League Girls level, earned a call-up to the national championships. There she was able to represent her state across two games before the defender’s campaign ended due to a broken knuckle.

We spoke to Conroy at the AFLW Draft State Combine about her football journey, game and goals for the future.

Q: Elsie, give us a rundown into your footy journey?

EC: “I started playing at Gordon Football and Netball Club with the boys until I was too old to play in the Under 12s, and I moved into Ballarat Swans from there and kind of just lead myself into Rebels and now here.”

Q: You managed to get into Vic Country, what was that experience like?

EC: “It was perfect, it was a dream come true. I was pretty 50/50 whether I’d get in or not, but just an amazing experience being able to travel to Brisbane, but obviously injury getting in the way. Otherwise I was so happy with the outcome.”

Q: Talk us through the injury, what was it and how was the recovery?

EC: “Recovery’s been bad because I punched the footy and I broke a knuckle, but from there on out I just had to wear a cast and still being able to come back at the end of the season was definitely a highlight instead of having to wait out until next.”

Q: You’ve played a lot in defence, have you played many other positions?

EC: “Well no, not really. Tried going up forwardline but I think backline is just where I suit best, where I can really display my skills.”

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

EC: “Well definitely my long kicking and aerial contests. They’re two of my biggest highlights I’d say.”

Q: What about improvements you’re looking to make?

EC: “Definitely building the running capacity and being able to run longer distances and aiming to kick more short kicks as well, look for the short options.”

Q: Which player do you look up to at the top level or model your game on?

EC: “Well I just base myself around every backline player when I’m watching the footy, men or women. Just see where I can improve myself because obviously they play at the top level where I want to go.”

Q: Which AFL/W club you support?

EC: “Definitely Hawthorn, I’ve really always supported them. But otherwise my family they’re Geelong and Essendon.”

Q: What was the reason behind going for Hawthorn over those ones?

EC: “My cousins bribed me to go for Hawthorn when I was a young age but then kind of just been watching everyone and everything.”

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

EC: “Definitely my coaches and my peers that I play with, they have the biggest influence on me.”

Q: What goals do you set for yourself?

EC: “Well obviously to make it to the AFLW and then on just continue playing footy as much as I can and improve all the feedback coaches and everyone has given me.”