EASTERN Ranges midfielder/forward Scout Semple is a damaging player in the front half of the ground, with the National Academy member a slick ball user and decision maker. She was part of Eastern’s premiership last season, and is expected to take another step forward with more midfield time this year, as well as being a key player for Vic Metro.

We spoke to Semple about her football journey, rise from local to the National Academy, some inspirations for her career, and her game.

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

SS: “I started back ever since I was little and then I played with the boys because there was no girls team. I played with the boys up until 2019 when we moved to the girls side. Then I’ve played at Wanni (Wantirna) South ever since then and just gone along my journey at Eastern.”

Q: What’s it been like stepping up from the local level to play at Eastern and having the success you guys have had along the way?

SS: “Yeah it’s been so cool. The standard going from local to Eastern has been amazing, like the intensity, all the drills you do, everything, it’s really purposeful and really cool.”

Q: You’ve played a bit between mid and forward, do you have a preferred position?

SS: “I think they’re both very different positions. When I was playign local, i played forward, and then I slowly moved into midfield. Then coming into Eastern as a bottom-ager I played forward and then I played mid, so honestly I like either, they’re both really good positions.”

Q: How’s it been in the National Academy and getting that invite?

SS: “It was so surreal. I was so happy to hear that I was able to have the opporutnity to trial, and then to be able to make it was an even unreal experience. I’m really excited to play with the girls and see how I go.”

Q: Did you get to go to New Zealand?

SS: “Yeah I got to go to New Zealand. That was again an unreal experience, you learn so much about all the different girls, how different states train, what their standards are like, it was such a cool experience.”

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

SS: “Definitely my mum and dad and my pa. They’ve always been there for me, always coming to every game. They’re my emotional supportive definitely, but overall so supportive.”

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

SS: “I’d say my kicking is definitely my main strength, but my decision making and my team play. I think I’m a really good team player.”

Q: What are some of the improvements you’re looking to make at the moment?

SS: “Definitely some of my groundballs and stoppage craft. Moving into midfield this year I think they’re things that can improve my game.”

Q: Which AFLW club do you support?

SS: “The Sydney Swans.”

Q: Is there a reason for that?

SS: “Not really, just a few of my family members go for the Swannies so I go for them too.”

Q: Is there a player you look up to or model your game on?

SS: “I think AFLW wise I’d say Chloe Molloy as that small forward who is crafty and knows how to kick some goals.”

Q: What goals do you set for yourself this year?
SS: “I would say just playing good, consistent footy. Just playing at a high standard and I think definitely enjoying my footy as hopefully my last year at Eastern Ranges.”