TALENTED defender-midfielder Emily Mableson has caught the eye over the last few seasons, rated incredibly highly internally at the Bloods for her work ethic and willingness to improve, while also getting it done out of the field for club and state. An MVP at Under 16s level, Mableson remains one to watch in 2026 as she enters her top-age campaign.
We spoke to Mableson at the recent South Australian Preseason Testing Day about her football journey, rise to the National Academy, inspirations and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Emily, can you talk us through your football journey?
EM: “I started playing footy when I was 10 years-old doing Unley Jets Under 12s girls team for one season then stopped and decided to focus on netball for a couple of years. Then I decided to come back to footy in 2022, playing for Unley Jets Under 15s girls team. Then from there, got invited to be part of West Adelaide’s Under 15 Girls Academy and I’ve been with Westies ever since.”
Q: How have you found the step up from local league to the SANFLW and state program?
EM: “The difference I found was obviously quite big for me. With just local it was just the one training a week and then rock up to the game on Saturday or Sunday. Now I’ve been a part of Westies for a couple of years, they train three times a week and games. It’s a big step up, and I have to consider my recovery and my nutrition a lot more, pre and post-game. It was just quite different to local footy.”
Q: What’s it been like being in the National Academy and going over to New Zealand?
EM: “Yeah that was a really great experience. Never been to New Zealand so that was really cool to see. I enjoyed training with and getting to know girls from interstate who I usually play with. Then having the staff and coaches who have played either AFL or AFLW because I was able to learn from them, ask them questions so I think that was really beneficial, but really enjoyed the experience and was very grateful to go on it.”
Q: What’s your preferred position and where do you think you’ll be playing this year?
EM: “Preferred position is high half-back. Mid as well as a second position which I’m hoping to play a bit more this year through Westies. But definitely see myself running off the half-back line.”
Q: What are some of the strengths in your game?
EM: “Some of my strengths are my composure, like my game awareness as well which helps me with my ball skills as I use the ball quite well as well so definitely my composure and game awareness so just making good decisions with the ball.”
Q: What are you still improving on?
EM: “Definitely improving on my contested marking this year. Been doing some work with Janelle Cuthbertson, the defence coach at Westies who played for Port and Freo in the AFLW. So working on contested marking but also just my explosiveness out of contests which will help me have some more time on the ball.
Q: Do you watch a lot of footy? Who do you support?
EM: “Yeah a little bit. I’m a Crows supporter, but also a bit of a Brisbane supporter.”
Q: Any reason for that?
EM: “Nah I just like Charlie Cameron, I just like his footy IQ and being able to provide a little bit of spark, his speed.”
Q: Is there anyone you look up to to mold your game on?
EM: “I look up to Chelsea Randall a little bit. Just her attack on the ball and her courage I really admire and want to implement to my game as much as possible. Also Nick Daicos for his skills and decision making.”
Q: Who’s had the most influence on your career?
EM: “Both my parents were obviously very supportive of me playing football, but my dad definitely. He was the one who introduced me to the game, taught me how to kick, helped me learn the game. He would take me to the oval after work on the weekends just to have a kick, but then obviously Michael Aish who is an AFL Hall of Famer here, I was fortunately enough to be part of his Aish Academy and he really taught me the importance of hard work and training with intent, helped me take my game to the next level. I probably wouldn’t be in the position I am today without him so I’m very grateful for the work I did with him.”
Q: What goals have you set out to achieve this season?
EM: “Definitely to get drafted, that’s the main one. But just playing good footy each week will help me get there, so just making sure I’m playing some good footy, playing my best, trying my hardest and that will help me get to my end goal. Having fun as well, can’t go wrong.”
