PEEL Thunder prospect Heidi Ireland had a memorable bottom-age season in 2025, predominantly playing WAFL Women’s League football, while also making the West Australian Under 18s state side. Mostly deployed as a defender who could also be a stronger body in the midfield, Ireland has a nice balance of offensive and defensive traits.

We spoke to Ireland at the recent West Australian Preseason Testing Day about her football journey, game and goals for the year ahead.

Q: Heidi, tell us a bit about your footy journey?

HI: “I actually started football, my dad brought it up to me when I was in Year 6 because my dad used to coach down at Collie Football Club. Started off two years with the boys, absolutely loved it, I learnt so much from it. I started off as a half-back and in the mid, actually as a ruck as well. Being a younger girls, being one of the taller people, so loved that, got the feel of it and loved it. I actually had two sports going on so I did state hockey and that same year I trialled for state football. I made the school girls and loved the girls of the group we were in Ballarat, it was freezing. I actually did my knee, I dislocated my knee cap and femur.

Then came back and I just loved football from there, loved the girls, still playing with a lot of them now. Peel Thunder picked me up, still doing my rehab, and then loved it first year of Rogers, loved the girls, formed really well, I actually got fairest and best at the club, then went to League. Playing state 16s as well, then under 18s last year and then got Rising Star for League, only played about eight games I think between all of the state travels and the National Indigenous which is always good fun. Played the National Futures game over in Melbourne, really enjoyed it, had heaps of fun, got to learn a lot more new names and girls and coaches. Now I’ve done Peel and Under 18s preseason this year hoping to get drafted so lots of hard work going into that.”

Q: What was it like switching between defence and midfield and playing on some key opposition players at WAFLW level?

HI: “I always like to be a team player, so they’re telling me I need to shut this player down, I’m going to make that my job and make sure that I shut them down. But also I love to attack on the ball while doing that so I love doing the role. I was playing on these key forwards, I remember my second game of League we played South and I played on Poppy Stockwell, very good player. Really shut her down and I think she scored a point that game when I was on the bench, so really worked hard and so yeah working on them tall girls and learning from the experience and from them.”

Q: What is your favourite position?

HI: “I love the half-back, love running off, but I also love the inside mid as well, just working on that endurance to get in there and really work hard and use my attack on the ball with driving legs and help the team out and get some clearances and score some goals.”

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

HI: “I might say one-v-one. Love doing some one-v-ones and trying to win those contests because I think they’re my main strengths at ground. In the air not so much but I’m working on that and have some improvements on that.”

Q: What about your improvements?

HI: “I want to take some more intercept marks, really want to work on clunking them and using that bodywork I’ve been working so hard on. I’ve got lots of support systems around me to help me out with that.”

Q: Which AFL/W club do you support?

HI: “My dad’s always gone for West Coast Eagles, so I support West Coast Eagles now as well, so Iove that. But also my dad’s probably not a huge fan, but Freo obviously being in the NGA, absolutely love that with them.”

Q: In terms of a player you look up to or model your game on?

HI: “I like to look up to Ebony Marinoff from Adelaide Crows. I think she’s a very strong player, her tackling, everything is just so impressive to me. Then probably defensive wise, one who takes some intercept marks such as Emma O’Driscoll, so they’re definitely my key ones.”

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

HI: “My dad I think is the one who really got me started and looking up to my brothers but watching him play. My mum, she never played but she’s learnt the game and she helps me out and gives me feedback when I need. Coaching wise I’d definitely say Macca (Michelle MacDonald), she was the Rogers coach, I really look up to her and lots of people know. KOrme (Kate Orme) she’s amazing. Everyone in the state 18s this year, the support crew’s so amazing.”

Q: What goals do you set for yourself?

HI: “My goals are to definitely really improve on that marking, but my main goal is to get drafted and work hard. I’m happy to go anywhere and adapt my life, because I love the game, love the people around it.”