SANDRINGHAM Dragons midfielder Grace Perrett was rewarded for a consistent bottom-age season with a spot in the Vic Metro summer hub as the top-ager looks to go to another level in 2026. Perrett thrives on the defensive elements of the game, and with a young Dragons squad this year is one of the more natural leaders by example.

We spoke to Perrett at the Talent League Girls Preseason Testing Day about her footy journey, game, inspirations and goals for the year ahead.

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

GP: “Basically when I was five I lived in America so I started in the soccer lense and then came back to Australia when I was seven and stayed that way for a few years and then it got to about when I was 10 or 11 and there wasn’t a girls team so my dad was like ‘oh how about you give footy a try’ and just started from there and played ever since.”

Q: What was the step up from local level up to Dragons?

GP: “It’s been good. Obviously a big step up but it’s great to play with other high-level athletes and just to expand my game in a higher level environment.”

Q: What position are you hoping to play, midfield or a bit of everywhere?

GP: “Mainly hoping to play midfield, but this year I’m working on developing my secondary position as a high-forward, so excited to get stuck into that as well.”

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

GP: “Probably my tackling, my pressure and my marking. They’re the biggest ones.”

Q: What improvements are you looking to make?

GP: “I’m looking to develop my kicking, just the speed by foot, expand my damage as a player.”

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

GP: “Probably my dad because he’s coached me for about four or five years and he’s just always supported me and he’s just been there gently or heavily, in the manner what I need, he’s just there for me.”

Q: Which AFLW club do you support?

GP: “I support the Sydney Swans.”

Q: Is there a reason for that? Family?

GP: “My dad grew up in Cooma so he’s tied to New South Wales, and then a bit of South Melbourne, but no particular reason.”

Q: Which player do you look up to or model your game on?

GP: “Ebony Marinoff because I think her contested work is elite, her tackle pressure and she’s such a great leader and a great rolemodel for others.”

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

GP: “This year I just hope to keep expanding my footy and keep improving, keep developing and hopefully put my best foot forward and make it to the Vic Metro team this year and just play some good footy.”