SYDNEY Swans Academy member Stephie Wilkins is a speedy outside talent who loves to run and take grass whenever possible. A late year born top-ager (December), Wilkins has grown up following the Swans even prior to her Academy ties and has aspirations of representing the red and white in the the future as a wing/half-back.

We spoke to Wilkins during the Coates Talent League Girls season to find out about her journey, game and inspirations.

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

SW: “From the very start my brothers played, so I got into it at a very young age. It was like Under 9s I played with the boys. My dad was upset that there wasn’t any girls footy at St Ives, so he got girls footy started so I started playing in Under 12s. Then first year 2016 I think when Swans girls academy started, I tried out and got in which was really good, and I’ve been with them ever since.”

Q: How have you found the step up in quality from local leagues up to Swans Academy?

SW: “Really good, there’s a massive difference when it comes to skills, like cleaness and also just speed. It’s very fast footy in Academy.”

Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?

SW: “I’d probably describe myself as fast. Most times clean. I would say I’m a fast, quick player.”

Q: What are some other strengths that standout in your game?

SW: “I would say I have a pretty good eye to open players, like handing off, and also clean disposals into forward 50.”

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

SW: “Body on, probably contact and tackling, contested marking.”

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

SW: “My dad.”

Q: In terms of AFL/W club who did you support, is it Sydney?

SW: “Yeah Swans all the way.”

Q: What do you want to get out of this season?

SW: “I want to play a really good wing role and I’ve played a couple of minutes back this game so I hopefully I can strengthen my half-back as well.”

Q: Is there a player you look up to or model your game on at the elite level?

SW: “I’ve got quite a few. Probably Mon (Montana Ham) in Swans, and Jodie Hicks.”