A NEWCOMER to Eastern Ranges’ program this season, top-age talent Ashleigh Thatcher is a powerful midfielder/forward who slotted in seamlessly alongside a star-studded lineup. Thatcher comes from a netball background, but worked through the football pathways to earn her chance in the Coates Talent League in her draft-eligible season.
We spoke to Thatcher at the recent AFLW State Draft Combine about her journey, inspirations and game.
Q: Tell us how you got into footy and the backgrounds with other sports?
AT: “I just got into footy, I’ve had like a netball background my whole life. My whole family’s been a netball family, but my uncle and my cousin they’re really into footy as well and my friend from school, she got me into footy and my coaches were just like ‘we have to get her playing’. I just went to an open training, so then I started there at Endeavour Hills and then I was playing there, doing pretty well, we ended up winning a premiership. Then I moved to Wantirna South junior footy club. That’s where I met Rhonda McMillan and she’s a great coach honestly, she really helped me with my footy journey. Then I was pretty lucky to get picked up by Eastern this year.”
Q: This year you’ve played a half-forward role mostly but did get into the mid as well, do you have a preferred position?
AT: “I probably prefer midfield but I still really like playing the half-forward role, I think it’s pretty exciting playing forward as well. Being around the goals too. But I love midfield because you just get to run around and win ball and sprint.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
AT: “I’d say like my speed is one of my strengths, and my contested ball-winning and my power is definitely one of my strengths.
Q: What are you looking to improve on at the moment?
AT: “Probably my decision making and my composure going into forward 50 as a midfielder.”
Q: Which AFL/W club do you support?
AT: “I go for Richmond.”
Q: Is there a story behind it, just family?
AT: “Yeah my uncle and my cousin, they’re massive Richmond supporters. My uncle’s been a supporter for his whole life since he was a baby.”
Q: Is there a player you look up to or model your game on at the top level?
AT: “Mon Conti, she’s a gun.”
Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?
AT: “Probably my school coach Brett, he’s just always been the stable one in my life. He always keeps me level headed and he’s always there for me, always been one of my biggest supporters. But my mum as well, she’s been a huge support for my footy career, she’s probably my number one supporter.”
Q: What long-term goals do you set for yourself?
AT: “I hope to make it to AFLW. But whatever the best opportunity I can get, I want to get.”
