DANDENONG defender Zoe Zach carved out a consistent season last year for the Stingrays, and though a school trip saw the number 40 miss out on the Talent League Girls Grand Final, Zach returns as part of the Vic Country hub ready to go again in 2026.
We spoke to Zach at the recent Talent League Girls Preseason Testing Day about her footy journey, role, game and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Zoe, tell us a little bit about your footy journey?
ZZ: “My brother was playing Auskick and I guess when he started playing at the footy club I just joined in as well with friends.”
Q: How has your experience been over the years with Dandenong and Vic Country hub over the summer?
ZZ: “It’s been really good, it’s good to go to Vic Country and just learn off the best in your region, it’s a pretty good opportunity to learn more.”
Q: How has preseason been?
ZZ: “Yeah no injuries so should be good to go for Round 1.”
Q: A pretty successful side making the grand final, what’s it been like knowing you’re in a good group?
ZZ: “It’s good. All the bottom-agers coming through now are so good as well, it’s really exciting. It’s going to be an exciting year.”
Q: What role or position do you think you’ll play this year?
ZZ: “I think I’ll get more midfield minutes this year which will be good, and a bit off the half-back as well, so between the two of those I reckon.”
Q: What do you see as some of your strengths and improvements?
ZZ: “I’d say my strengths are my contested ball-winning and my physicality, tackle pressure. Something I’d want to work on is just taking more risks with my kicking and just backing myself a bit more.”
Q: Do you tend to watch a lot of football? Who do you go for?
ZZ: “Yeah I do, I love my footy. Richmond.”
Q: Any reason for that?
ZZ: “Just growing up, my whole family goes for Richmond.”
Q: Are there any players you look up to or model your game on?
ZZ: “In the AFLW definitely Belle Dawes, she’s one of my favourite players, just love the way she goes about it, so ferocious for the ball.”
Q: What goals have you set up for this year?
ZZ: “Hopefully make the Vic Country team this year and showcase what I can do in the national champs.”
