CLAREMONT’S Juliet Kelly is a team-first focused midfielder who has also spent time off a wing and half-back in the past. The tenacious tackler who always looks to bring others into the game, is a highly talented rower as well.

Following Western Australia’s victory over Vic Metro, we spoke to Kelly about her football journey, how she has juggled her multiple commitments, and her inspirations along the way.

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

JK: “I’ve been doing footy my whole life practically since I was in kindergarten. Did it with my friends from school who were mainly all boys at the start. But I just loved it, kept going through with it with other sports. It’s the one that just stuck with me and then when I got into high school, got to play with the girls more which just grew my love even more and then getting the opportunities like state Academy and all that. It just keeps growing for me.”

Q: Aside from rowing, what other sports have you done along the way?

JK: “Pretty much every sport. I’ve done hockey, netball, tennis, swimming, cross country. I love my sport.”

Q: How do you juggle all that with school and everything else?

JK: “I just managed my time well and I know I want to do everything, so in order to do everything I have to be able to manage time and just because I love it all it’s easy to do.”

Q: Is it just the footy and the rowing at the moment?

JK: “Yes, had to cut it down eventually.”

Q: With your footy, how would you describe yourself as a player?

JK: “I love to be team-first so I can make my other teammates looking better, just getting the ball out of the congested pack, handballs. My work rate, I like putting in the effort so I hopefully get the reward and that’s definitely what happened today. Pressure’s a big part of my game I think.”

Q: You mentioned a few of them there, but what do you see as some of the key strengths that you’ve really thrived on?

JK: “This year especially I’d say my tackle pressure in games. That’s definitely risen which has been one of my things that’ I’ve been trying to work on, sticking tackles. Also my handball game, I’d say that’s one of my strengths.”

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

JK: “I’d say my explosiveness out of packs.”

Q: Touching on the 48-disposal game in the WAFLW, did you know roughly how many touches you had?

JK: “I had no idea. Towards the end of the game everyone was getting excited, but I still had no idea. Just having the support from the team and everyone around, it was a great game to be a part of too.”

Q: How have you found playing different roles like wing and half-back?

JK: “I enjoy it, just gives me different ways to jog my memory, my mind in game, keeping on the ball, keeping concentrated because obviously that’s a big part. Just different running patterns, holding off the ball or going in. It’s good to move around.”

Q: What AFL/W club do you support?

JK: “Eagles.”

Q: In terms of players you look up to at the top level?

JK: “When I was younger it was definitely Josh Kennedy. One, same initials JK, and I used to have the same number as him. Then also how he presented himself on the field, so composed under pressure and that sort of stuff. I know it’s not my position forward as such, but just how her brought about himself on and off the ground.

Q: Is there any current player that you model your game on who might play a similar position?

JK: “Within my team I look at Tildy Sergeant, she played Eagles and Dockers AFLW. She just looks so composed under pressure, she’s easy to talk to, she’s so good at transferring knowledge and I just love to be able to play alongside her because she’s just so talented and knowledgable.”

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

JK: “I’d say my family. Not just my mum or dad in particular, just my family. My sister’s always supportive, my nana. When I’m not too happy with my game, they’re always supportive and always making me feel better about myself.”

Q: Just finally, what are your goals for the rest of the year?

JK: “I just want to keep playing consistently to give myself the best chance, and not overthinking it. Just keep the love of the sport.”