GIPPSLAND Power tall Maya Crestani has been a late bloomer for the country side, taking her game to another level from her bottom-age debut season. She has been in and around football for a while, but is piecing together a strong top-age campaign through the ruck for not just the Power, but Vic Country as well.

We spoke to Crestani at the Coates Talent League Girls Preseason Testing where she spoke about her football journey, game and goals for the year ahead.

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

MC: “Well I started when I was nine years-old and from my brother, he really inspired me to play footy because he was playing for years. Then I started playing at Beaconsfield Junior Football Club and then played at Nar Nar Goon and now I’m in (Pakenham).

Q: What about your journey through the Power?

MC: “I’ve been with them for two years and this is my second season with them. It’s been pretty good.”

Q: Did you play any other sports growing up?

MC: “I played a bit of basketball when I was younger, but I wasn’t that good.”

Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?

MC: “I’m pretty quiet. Very tall.”

Q: What do you see as you strengths?

MC: “I would say my kicking and my rucking, and when I get hold of a tackle, I do it pretty well.”

Q: On the flipside, what are some of the things you’re still working on?

MC: “Aerial, agility, stamina, all of those.”

Q: Are you very much set to play that ruck role this year or are you going to try other roles?

MC: “I’ll try a little bit of forward.”

Q: Do you watch a lot of footy? Do you have a team you support?

MC: “Not a whole lot. I grew up supporting Hawthorn.”

Q: Are there any players you look up to at the top level?

MC: “Probably Tyla Hanks. She’s definitely an inspirational player.”

Q: What are some of the goals for the year?

MC: “Probably kick some goals and try and improve in everything.”

Q: Would you like to get drafted?

MC: “Hopefully. That’s definitely a goal, but we’ll see what happens.”