A PRODUCTIVE top-age campaign from Eastern Ranges defender Isabelle Creaton resulted in the hard-running draft prospect earning a State Draft Combine invitation. Boasting some eye-catching traits, Creaton was a key member of the Ranges’ flag tilt, and held her own for Vic Metro as well.
We spoke to Creaton at the Draft Combine where she told of her football journey, season and those who have influenced her throughout her career.
Q: Issy, tell us a little bit about your footy journey?
IC: “I started Auskick in Prep or Year 2 just because everyone I was friends with at primary school played footy and when they all started an Under 8s side I didn’t really, I kept playing Auskick until 2016 when I started with Ferntree Gully in Under 12s. So I played four seasons of Under 12s, three seasons of Under 14s and then got picked up for the Under 16s at Eastern Ranges and then just been playing continuously at Eastern Ranges since then.”
Q: To get included in Vic Metro and get a run in there, what was that like?
IC: “It was an amazing experience, I was so grateful for it. It was amazing coaches, amazing staff all throughout. They taught me a lot about the backline and how different other states play to us. I feel like in Victoria we play a very similar style, but against Allies and South Australia they were a much more I would say physical team to play against, so it was great to learn and see how other states play.”
Q: Have you always played that half-back defensive role or have you played other positions at times?
IC: “I prefer to play at the half-back line. At Eastern I’ve been in the forwardline and in the midfield at different points. Every preseason at Eastern has been in the forwardline it’s just when we get during the season that’s when I move back to the backline but I feel like I would play everywhere and I always have, but now I just stick in the backline.”
Q: What do you see as some of your strengths?
IC: “Probably my speed on-ball and run and carry off the half-back line to clear it out of defence, and then just my defensive pressure, defensive efforts and tackling. I reckon they’re probably my biggest strengths.”
Q: What are you looking to improve on?
IC: “Definitely my ground balls under pressure in difficult conditions because I feel like in perfect day I’m alright at it, but once it gets a bit wet or a bit muddy that’s something I need to improve on. And my kicking accuracy, because I’m able to get the ball out and get speed on-ball and move it forward, but I just need to clean up finishing at a target.”
Q: AFL/W club you support?
IC: “Geelong.”
Q: Was there a player you look up to or model your game on at the top level?
IC: “Amy McDonald, she’s really aggressive, she’s really in and under getting the ball out to everyone. She’s a fierce competitor and I aspire to be like that.”
Q: Who’s had the most influence on your individual career?
IC: “Probably my dad. He really wanted to get me into football as early as he could. He’s been there all throughout it. He’s been my runner, my coach, president’s of the club, he’s always pushed me to go as hard as I can and achieve everything that I can.”
Q: What goals do you set for yourself going forward?
IC: “I’m really hoping to make AFLW, get drafted anywhere. I’d love for that to happen, and then if not, VFL and try and get a train-on contract with an AFLW team.”
