TALENTED dual sportsperson Isabelle Godfrey is just as impressive on the basketball court as she is on the footy field, but the Oakleigh Chargers winger is focusing on the latter to try and improve herself. Godfrey cemented her spot in the side last season, and comes into 2026 as one to watch from the side amongst a host of draftable talents.
We spoke to Godfrey at the recent Talent League Girls Preseason Testing Day about her footy journey, game, inspirations and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Isabelle, tell us a bit about your footy journey?
IG: “My dad played heaps of footy, my brother played heaps of footy. I started in Under 13s in Kew Comets and I just made my way through there, got an Oakleigh tryout. I missed my Under 16 Futures because I had a really bad syndesmosis injury so I missed out on all the Metro stuff when I was Under 16s. Ty (Vickery, Oakleigh Chargers coach) was very kind and took me to keep training with Oakleigh and I trained for seven months and I finally got a game and that was the start of my Oakleigh journey.”
Q: What was the step up like from local to Oakleigh?
IG: “I loved it. It was a massive step up coming from my local, but I think it was quite easy to adapt because we had such strong leaders and all the girls were amazing, the coaches were amazing. It elevated my game heaps and I loved it.”
Q: You also played a lot of basketball growing up. What was that like juggling those two sports?
IG: “I still play heaps of basketball, so I train basketball on my off days that I don’t play footy, and like footy is priority for me and I love footy the most, but I still keep basketball alive as long as I can.”
Q: What role do you think you’ll play this year?
IG: “Wing is definitely my primary position. But I will rotate on half-back a little bit as well.”
Q: What do you see as some of your strengths?
IG: “I would say my decision making, my run and carry and probably my ball in hand use would be my biggest strengths.”
Q: What are you looking to improve on at the moment?
IG: “My physicality. That’s been a massive focus with me and my coach Ty for the preseason, just building my physicality.”
Q: Who’s someone that you look up to at the top level?
IG: “I know it’s a basic answer, but Mon Conti. Probably because of also the basketball side, dual athlete and I love the way she plays.”
Q: What AFLW club do you support?
IG: “Collingwood.”
Q: What’s the reason, family?
IG: “Well I go for Collingwood boys but I have some friends, Zara Neuwirth and Charlotte Brewer who are there now and I like to keep up and watch them.”
Q: Who has had the most influence on your career?
IG: “My dad, definitely.”
Q: What goals have you set for yourself in 2026?
IG: “Hopefully represent Vic Metro, that would be great. But just keep improving my game, win a flag with the girls and have the best season.”
