BOTTOM-AGER Olivia McCay is building a promising season at East Fremantle, locking down a key role on the wing and showcasing her mix of endurance and skill going forward. The 2027 AFLW Draft prospect has a little over 18 months until she can be called out on draft night, but is already showing positive signs for the future.
We spoke to McCay at the West Australian Preseason Testing Day about her football journey, gamestyle, inspirations and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Give us a bit of a rundown into your footy journey — how you got to where you are now, and how did you get to this point?
OM: “I started in Year 6. I played soccer up until then, and I think the skills kind of came natural. I got down to East Fremantle two years ago, which helped me get here. I was in the state 16s last year, which really helped develop me, and then this year I’m in the summer squad, which is going really well.”
Q: Obviously a bottom-ager this year, how has it been transitioning from the 16s to the 18s squad?
OM: “It’s a lot higher skill level, so it’s good to be pushed at training, because you’re not going to get that anywhere else. These are the best of the best at this age, so it’s really good to be pushed against everyone.”
Q: In terms of your favourite position, where do you see yourself?
OM: “I’d say wing or half-forward.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
OM: “Definitely endurance – I’ve got a lot of endurance – and I’m a pretty accurate kick under pressure. They’re probably my two biggest strengths.”
Q: What are you looking to improve on?
OM: “Definitely my strength, get better at tackling and all that, and just get better in the contest.”
Q: Who has had the most individual influence on your career?
OM: “I think Kate Orme, our (Under 18s) coach. She was the coach at 16s, and she really finds a way to push you and help you get better whenever you need. She’s always there for guidance whenever you need it.”
Q: Which AFLW club do you support?
OM: “West Coast.”
Q: Who is a player you look up to and model your game on?
OM: “Definitely Ella Roberts – she’s the main one. Just the way she goes about it, she’s always in at the contest. I think, even though I’m not like a strong midfielder, just to look at her and see how far she’s gone, it’s pretty special.”
Q: In terms of the goals you have set for yourself this year, what are they?
OM: “Some of my goals are to play WAFLW more consistently. I played a couple of games last year, but just to try and crack into the team and keep building my strength throughout the year.”
