SWAN Districts talent Grace Hirst kicks off our first AFLW Draft Q&A of the 2026 season, with the former Victorian now thriving in Western Australia. A member of the Swans’ outfit that bolted all the way to the deciding match last season, Hirst played the first 10 games of 2025 in the Rogers Cup, before making her League debut in Round 15 and holding her place all the way to the grand final.

We spoke to Hirst at the WAFLW Preseason Testing Day where she spoke about her journey, game and who she looks up to at the top level.

Q: Give us a bit of run down into your footy journey?

GH: “I started when I was like 12. I used to live in Melbourne, so I started in the Melbourne area. But from there it just progressed on and now I play in the WAFL.”

Q: What’s it been like translating from local into the WAFLW?

GH: “It’s a big jump. It’s very fast paced, you’ve got to adjust a lot from local footy. Local footy’s a slow game, but WAFL you’ve got to dig deep and try hard.”

Q: What’s your favourite position to play?

GH: “Probably inside mid or half-back.”

Q: What do you see as some of your strengths?

GH: “My speed and my kicking.”

Q: What about the areas of improvement in your game?

GH: “Probably my groundballs, that’s the major one for me.”

Q: AFLW club you support?

GH: “I support Carlton.”

Q: What’s the reason for the move from Melbourne to Perth?

GH: “Family. My brother and sister live over here.”

Q: In terms of the person whose had the most influence on your career?

GH: “Probably my mum and dad, but mainly my dad.”

Q: Who’s a player you look up to at the top level?

GH: “Mon Conti. Just her drive through games, her execution.”

Q: What goals do you set yourself this year?

GH: “I’m aiming to get drafted this year and play national champs.”