SWAN Districts tall Ava Stewart added 11 games to her League career in 2024, with the now top-ager finding her place in the defensive half for the Black Ducks. Stewart earned an invite to the West Australian Summer Squad for her form throughout her bottom-age season, and now has hopes to further improve in 2025.

We spoke to her at the recent West Australian Preseason Testing Day.

Q: Ava, tell us about your footy journey?

AS: “I started off in Auskick when I was like four I’d say. Then I just grew up with the boys, I played with the boys up until Year 9 and then I came to Rogers Cup in 2022. Only played a few Rogers games and then I got asked to play a League game. I was 14 when I had my first League game, very scary. Since then I’ve played state 16s and now I’m just training with the 18s.”

Q: When you got the invite for the state squad, what was that like?

AS: “I was very surprised because I was very new. I didn’t know the footy world was that big. I wasn’t used to that professional football level, but I was very excited, very happy when I got the invite.”

Q: What role do you see yourself playing this year?

AS: “Usually I play half-back, but this year I want to see myself in other places. I feel like I have more to give than just a few marks at half-back, so I’ll see where that takes me.”

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

AS: “My marking I’d say, and my skills are good. I think I have good footy smarts as well.”

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

AS: “My fitness. Maybe a bit more one-on-one contests and stuff like that.”

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

AS: “Definitely my dad. He’s been with me since Auskick. He coached me when I was younger in Year 7, 8 and 9. He’s definitely my biggest supporter when it comes to football.”

Q: Is there a person you look up to at the elite level?

AS: “I mean though she hasn’t had a game at AFLW, I see similarities between me and Molly O’Hehir. I definitely look up to her.”

Q: What AFL/W club do you support?

AS: “Freo. I’ve just grown up with Freo, been a member since I was 10.”

Q: Finally, what goals do you set for yourself this year?

AS: “I just want to be the best I can be. I definitely want to see myself giving more to the team. Get a few state games, and just looking to improve myself.”