TALENTED Tasmanian Evie Ward is a member of the National Academy, and one of two from the Apple Isle in the high-performance program. Another AFLW Draft prospect out of the recent Lauderdale footy factory, Ward has spent time playing across multiple lines, and is looking to continue that while honing in on her midfield craft.
We spoke to the Devils’ top-ager at the recent Tasmanian Preseason Testing Day about her football journey, game, mentors and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Evie, tell us a little bit about your footy journey?
EW: “I started as a gymnast when I was really little back in kindergarten. Then my brothers played footy and then I’d practice with them but I’d never actually play. Slowly I was like ‘oh this is a cool sport I want to get into it’ so in Grade 7 I was like ‘nah I’m gonna play’. Then I started playing and I absolutely loved it.
“My main sport at the time was basketball, so I was leaving footy matches halfway through to go play basketball. But then slowly I was like ‘this has got to be my main sport, it’s just so much fun’ and then just fell in love with it. I slowly went up I think my first rep game was red vs blue and I was like ‘oh my gosh, this is so cool’ and then got invited to the Devils program and I was like I thought I’d made it. Then slowly everything’s been happening and its such a surreal journey.”
Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?
EW: “That’s a hard one. I’d say both my mum and my dad. My dad because he played footy, and he played for the same club as what I’m now playing for and he’s just like coached me through how to play, what to do, and then my mum’s been like that supportive motivation for me to keep going and striving and they’ve both come on this rollercoaster journey with me and it’s just been amazing.”
Q: What position are you hoping to play this year?
EW: “Midfield’s always been my favourite position, but I’m hoping to play more of a versatile role. I think my coach has spoken to me a little bit about that, which will be really awesome to be able to do that.”
Q: You had that massive game for the Devils in the midfield last year, how was that for you?
EW: “That was amazing. All of the Allies girls were out and it was just like my turn to step up really and it was such a cool experience to be able to help out the team like that. It was really cool.”
Q: What are some of the strengths in your game?
EW: “I would say my contested possession, my groundballs obviously being a midfielder, and I would say my competitiveness. I feel like I’m a very competitive person.”
Q: What are some improvements you’re looking to make?
EW: “Definitely my aerial game, and a bit of my left foot kick as well.”
Q: Which AFLW club do you support?
EW: “Hawthorn or North Melbourne.”
Q: Is there a reason behind them?
EW: “We’ve always supported Hawthorn in AFL growing up, and then the AFLW team came in and we were like I was just like ‘definitely’ and then North because Nicole Bresnehan has had a bit to do with the Devils, so knowing her a bit helped to support them as well.”
Q: Is there a player at the top level you look up to or model you game on?
EW: “I would say Emily Bates. She’s obviously captain, she had an injury last year but I just liked how she sprung back in the finals to play and I really like her game.”
Q: Just finally, what goals do you set for yourself this year?
EW: “I mean the big one’s AFLW. I think it would be everyone’s goal. All-Australian would be amazing to make that, and for the Devils team to make the finals. I just love these girls so much, so if we could make the finals this year it would be amazing.”
