ONE HALF of a damaging duo, Nalu Brothwell is the forward half of the Dandenong Stingrays’ Brothwell twins having impressed as an athletic marking player inside 50. Sharing the field with sister Mizuki – often found up the other end – Brothwell is a newcomer to football compared to her peers, and has wasted no time in becoming one of the most exciting draft prospects.
Brothwell has started the year on fire, averaging 22.3 disposals, 4.7 marks, 5.3 tackles, 4.0 inside 50s and has booted 4.5 from three games thus far to build on her strong bottom-age campaign of 14 majors in 16 games. We spoke to her at the Coates Talent League Girls Preseason Testing Day.
Q: Nalu tell us a bit about your footy journey?
NB: “I started I think it was two years ago and just played club footy at Balnarring and then got picked up by the Stingrays and I think I debuted in my first year of footy and all went from there, it’s been pretty cool.”
Q: In terms of your role, is that where you see yourself this year?
NB: “Definitely in forwardline, but hopefully I can play a little bit of mind, kind of try and get in with the ball a bit more.”
Q: Playing in the 17s Futures, what was that like?
NB: “That was an unreal experience. Got to meet a lot of new people, learn a lot of stuff and have the elite environment.”
Q: What’s it been like playing alongside your sister?
NB: “Definitely so good because we’re so competitive, so we just push each other and make us better.”
Q: Which AFL/W club do you support?
NB: “Essendon.”
Q: Which players do you look up to at the top level?
NB: “Chelsea Randall. She’s amazing, she goes at the ball really hard. Also Kate Hore, Patty Cripps, love watching him.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
NB: “My ability to play tall and small. My height, but my speed and pressure.”
Q: In terms of your improvements?
NB: “Just like my consistency every week.”
Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?
NB: “Definitely my family. My parents and my grandparents and my sister, they’re really, really influential.”
Q: Finally, what goals do you set for yourself this year?
NB: “Just to have a consistent season and play good footy.”
