DANDENONG Stingrays skilled defender Scarlett Marsh is progressing into a mid-defender hybrid role as the talented small begins her top-age campaign. One of the more damaging ball users going around, Marsh has been a valuable member of the Stingrays’ back six and is looking to take her game to another level in 2026.

We spoke to Marsh at the weekend’s Talent League Girls Preseason Testing event about her football journey, role, game and her future goals.

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

SM: “I started playing around the age of 8, played with Auskick. Then played a year of boys then progressed up to girls. I’ve just played since Under 13s at Balnarring Junior Football Club and it’s been great, love it.”

Q: What’s it been like going from local to Stingrays?

SM: “Probably just the transition of the game, game moves so much faster, bigger bodies. It’s an extra level on club footy, but I love it, it’s great.”

Q: What’s your preferred position?

SM: “I like to go mid-half-back. Playing a bit through the middle this year which will be good just to see what I can do through the midfield, but normally mid-half-back.”

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

SM: “Definitely my kicking I think. My use with ball and probably my awareness, footy IQ.”

Q: What are you looking to improve on at the moment?

SM: “Just my ability to win one-on-one contests, just use my body a bit more. I want to expand my kicking on my left foot a bit and show that I can kick both sides.”

Q: You got to play Country at 16s and in the hub now, what’s that experience like?

SM: “Such a good experience with all the girls at Vic Country. Good to branch out and just the level you’re playing at are so talented and love playing it.”

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

SM: “Probably my mum. Mum loves it, she’s encouraged me to play footy all my life. She still helps me, still critiques me, but it’s good.”

Q: Which AFLW club do you support?

SM: “Hawthorn.”

Q: Is there a reason for that? Just family?

SM: “Yeah family on my mum’s side we’re passionate supporters.”

Q: Who’s a player you look up to or model your game on?

SM: “Tilly Lucas-Rodd. Really like how she runs off the halfback and uses the ball and I just think she’s a really smart and composed player.”

Q: What goals do you set for yourself this year?

SM: “Hopefully get into Vic Country, that’s the main goal. Then looking to the future hopefully get drafted, but there’s a lot of steps to that, and the main goal is Vic Country at the moment.”