TACKLING machine Nikhita Spiteri has built her game around ferocious defensive pressure, and upped her production rate considerably in 2024. The bottom-ager played 11 games for the Murray Bushrangers and produced some strong performances along the way, to earn an invite into Vic Country’s summer hub program.
We spoke to Spiteri at the recent Coates Talent League Girls Preseason Testing Day.
LAST SEASON STATISTICS
| Team | Games | Disposals | Marks | Clearances | Tackles | Inside 50s | Goals |
| Murray Bushrangers | 11 | 15.8 | 2.5 | 2.1 | 6.8 | 3.4 | 3 |
Q&A
Q: Nikhita, tell us a bit about your footy journey?
NS: “I actually grew up in Melbourne. I started off in a soccer family. My sister played soccer at a high level so I kind of just jumped into the same sport as her. I loved watching her so I learnt a lot. But I actually got asked to play school footy, give that a go. So I joined the school footy team and really enjoyed it so later on when I was 12 made the change into AFL. From then on dropped soccer, picked up footy and have played ever since and have never looked back.”
Q: In terms of your role, you’ve played a lot of midfield before, is that where you see yourself this year?
NS: “I would be happy to play anywhere. I usually play mid and forward, but I am happy to play anywhere on the park.”
Q: What are some of the strengths in your game?
NS: “I would say some of my strengths are my endurance, my tackling and my second and third efforts. Being able to run out a game.”
Q: Some of the improvements you’re marking?
NS: “My improvements I would say are my aerial, my marking. I’d like to improve that going up with stronger hands, and probably my accuracy in front of goals. Just getting better at that.”
Q: Who’s had the most influence on your career?
NS: “I would say my personal strength and conditioning coach Michelle Fletcher. She’s helped me so much with my endurance, my speed and my strength. Definitely helped me keep my feet during games and also just my confidence on my abilities in footy on and off the field.”
Q: Which AFL/W club do you support?
NS: “Hawthorn.”
Q: Is there a reason behind that?
NS: “My dad supported Hawthorn so I kind of just grew up in a Hawthorn-surrounded family and love it.”
Q: Who’s a player you look up to at the top level?
NS: “‘The Wizard’, Nick Watson. I think he is amazing. His second and third efforts, his tackling. He uses his height to his advantage and a first-year player made such an impact on all his games, so I really admire that.”
Q: Finally, what goals have you set yourself for this year?
NS: “Being the best I can through all my games and really consistent. Bring the best I can for my team.”
