VERSATILE top-ager Asher Fearn-Wannan has been deployed in a variety of positions over the last couple of seasons and earned a spot with Vic Metro in 2025, ticking off one of the goals she set in the preseason. The Eastern Ranges talent has spent time at half-back, on a wing, on-ball, even in the ruck such is her versatility and athleticism at 177cm.
We spoke to Fearn-Wannan at the Coates Talent League Girls Preseason Testing event about her football journey, game, inspirations and goals she set at the start of the year.
Q: Asher, give us a bit of a rundown into your football journey?
AFW: “My mum was my coach for a lot of my juniors and I played with my sister for a while. I actually don’t know what year I started, it was like four or five seasons now, but I always played at Whitehorse but I had to move as of last season to Blackburn because the team crashed because there wasn’t enough players.”
Q: You’ve played a few different sports, talk us through those and that timeline?
AFW: “I played high-level hockey for a while but I just kind of wasn’t enjoying it as much so I switched my focus on footy more and I also did a lot of basketball growing up but it was just domestic, nothing too high level.”
Q: You’ve played a range of roles in the past, where do see yourself playing this season?
AFW: “I think it’s going to be wing this year which I’m really excited. I love to run, you know? I’ve got lots of energy I need to get rid of it. But I’m hoping to play a lot of wing this year which will suit me.
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
AFW: “I think run and carry, athleticism, speed on-ball, that kind of thing. I’ve got a good defensive mindset so I’m happy to run back and help if needed.”
Q: What about improvements you’re looking to make?
AFW: “I’m working on my kicking still, it was not the best, but it’s slowing getting better. I’m working with the kicking coach at Eastern. So probably just that and small skills I can improve my groundballs.”
Q: AFL/W club you support?
AFW: “Probably Tigers.”
Q: Is there a reason
AFW: “I follow the Tigers men as well, the whole family is Tigers.”
Q: Who’s had the most influence on your individual career?
AFW: “Dustin Martin. Always Dustin Martin. I’ve gone for number four this year because he’s my absolute idol.”
Q: Finally, what goals do you set for yourself this year?
AFW: “To get my hands a bit more, to execute my kicks and my skills really well. Hopefully to make Metro and have a good season this year.”
