A HARD-RUNNING and smooth-kicking member of the Geelong Falcons, Greea McKeegan has come on with leaps and bounds in recent years. Enjoying the rise up the pathways, the Vic Country representative who has developed from a high marking forward into a gut-running winger has silky skills and an an all-round athletic base.

We spoke to the National Academy member at the Talent League Girls Preseason Testing Day about her football journey, game, inspirations and goals for the year ahead.

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

GM: “Firstly my sister started playing at a really young age and she influenced me to start playing and I started playing with the boys in Under 9s. Then just continued playing and loved the game ever since.”

Q: How have you found the rise from local into the Falcons?

GM: “It was really good. I really liked the opportunity to play as an Under 16 and then as a bottom-ager in the 18s. I found the transition quite comfortable and everyone was very welcoming.”

Q: You’ve played a bit of forward, then the wing, where do you like playing or where do you want to play this year?

GM: “I really like all positions, I don’t mind really. I quite like playing oin the wing, just being able to run around the field and use my endurance and skills as well. But I definitely love playing in the forwardline as well.”

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

GM: “My kicking efficiency and ability to hit targets as well as my marking, composure in front of goal and my endurance.”

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

GM: “Definitely groundballs, clean groundballs and just some quick decision making in front of goal and quick kicks to goal.”

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

GM: “I would definitely say my sister because she played at the VFL level as well and definitely helped me improve my skills and my ability to learn the game.”

Q: How did you feel when you got the invite about making the National Academy?

GM: “Very excited, very proud of myself and everything that I’ve done. So excited for the future and what’s yet to come.”

Q: What was the trip to New Zealand like for the Academy?

GM: “It was so good, such a good experience. I loved being able to get to know all the girls and being such an elite environment and playing the best of the best and with the best coaches around me as well.”

Q: Which AFLW club do you support?

GM: “Geelong.”

Q: Is that just regional or family?

GM: “Yeah probably family.”

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

GM: “I model my game on Zippy Fish because I really like how she’s very fast and makes quick decisions and never seems like she’s under pressure.”

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

GM: “There’s plenty of goals I’ve been trying to achieve but just taking every training and game as it comes and developing little skills such as my groundballs and goalkicking. Hopefully get to the draft at the end of the year.”