GLENELG talent Georgie Fielder is her side’s top-age draft chance to watch, with the hard-running midfielder capable of playing both inside and outside. She has followed a similar path to her predecessors at the Bays in Piper Window and Violet Patterson, and now looks to carve out her own memorable draft-age season.
We spoke to Fielder at the recent South Australian Preseason Testing Day about her footy journey, game, inspirations and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Georgie, tell us a little bit about your footy journey?
GF: “Well I first started in athletics and then because obviously the girls footy wasn’t as big, and then a few of my friends out at Henley said to come out. I started in about Under 12s, and I really enjoyed it and kept playing all the juniors and then went out to Glenelg. It was really fun, so that’s really how I started.”
Q: How far did you get with your athletics?
GF: “I did the hurdles, made a few state teams. Represented Australia. Could have kept going there, but I think I loved footy that much I had to stop athletics.”
Q: Was there an exact time period where you gave athletics up to focus on your footy?
GF: “I think last year getting to the age where I was obviously in the League team and competing high in athletics and obviously had to choose between them. It wasn’t a hard decision, because I love footy that much. It was pretty easy.”
Q: How have you found the step up from local level to SANFLW and the state program?
GF: “It was obviously a big leap against all of the bigger bodies, but I’ve adapted to it really well and a few of the mentors out at Glenelg have really guided me when moving over there so it’s been really good.”
Q: Who do you think’s had the most influence on your career?
GF: “I think Jess Bates. She retired last year from Glenelg last year but I always looked up to her and coming out as a junior to Glenelg she really supported me and was there with me through the highs and lows.”
Q: What position do you think will play? What’s your favourite position?
GF: “I love the midfield, that’s my main role. But I’m hoping to play off the half-back or go down forward for a bit. Really anywhere they want me, I’m pretty flexible.”
Q: What strengths and improvements do you have in your game?
GF: “Probably like coming out of the stoppages hitting up half-forwards. I’ve really been working on that and that’s a real key role in my game, and then obviously probably hitting the scoreboard a bit more this season would be my main goal.”
Q: Do you watch a lot of footy?
GF: “Yeah I try and get out to the women’s games and the men’s.”
Q: Who do you go for?
GF: “Crows. I love watching Ebony Marinoff in the mid.”
Q: Is she the main one you look to and model your game on?
GF: “Yeah, and Mon Conti at Richmond. Her speed and game awareness, I really look up to her.”
Q: What goals have you set yourself for the year?
GF: “Obviously get drafted. Don’t really mind where I go, but that’s my main goal. Play consistent footy throughout the year, but at the end of the day I want to get drafted.”
