SANDRINGHAM Dragons’ hard-running wing Grace McIntyre has set her sights on improving the fundamentals in her game ahead of her top-age season. The talented outside player has the need for speed and competes well in the air, with plenty of experience on the wing in recent years.

We spoke to the Vic Metro hub member about her football journey, game, inspirations and mentors at the top level.

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

GM: “I started my footy journey at the Caulfield Bears Junior Football Club. I played under 9s with the boys there, we didn’t have a girls team and then Under 12s I came up with the girls team and then played there for a couple of years and then moved to Murrumbeena Junior Football Club and have been playing there ever since.”

Q: How has the rise been from local level to Dragons?

GM: “It was a big step up. Obviously footy at local level was all about fun and participation, whereas at Sandy it’s also about having fun but it’s a lot more professional environment that we really get to train hard and get to recover as well. It’s so good.”

Q: What position do you think you’ll play this year?

GM: “I reckon I’ll stay mostly on the wing as I’ve settled into that well. Maybe a bit of half-back as well to try and get running more and because I’ve been told I’m tall, so help out with my aerial ability. Maybe go inside mid not sure, but mainly on the wing I reckon.”

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

GM: “Just some of my run and carry on that wing. If I get on the outside just being able to run, hopefully take a couple of bounces and then hit inside 50, and then maybe my marking. I’ve been trying to work on that recently and use my height to my advantage.”

Q: What are you improving on at the moment?

GM: “Definitely need to improve on my basic fundamentals. My kicking, groundballs, definitely need to execute them once I’ve had my run. I need to be able to finish off and execute a kick nicely.”

Q: Which AFLW club do you support?

GM: “It would have to be North Melbourne just based off Bella Eddey. She’s been a big role model at my time at Sandy so far, and they’re obviously a great team, who wouldn’t want to support them?”

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

GM: “Bella Eddey I reckon, and also my mum and dad. My dad loved his footy and played for years, and mum’s come from a sporting background as well so they’re always pushing me and trying to support me through my journey so I’d say my parents and Bella as well.”

Q: Who’s a player at the top level you might look up to or model your game on?

GM: “I try to model my game on Taylah Gatt. She’s another wing from North Melbourne. She’s got that speed along the wing that I’m trying to channel in my game, so just watching her play is good.”

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

GM: “My main goal’s probably just to keep seeing how we go at Sandy, trying to get into finals and see if we can go further in those, and then personally I can hopefully try and make the Metro squad and maybe get a game or so. Just to see how we can keep advancing.”