AN ALL-AUSTRALIAN at bottom-age level, Cara Dziegielewski is one of the leading West Australians in this year’s AFLW Draft. Alongside close friend Lexi Strachan, the West Perth duo form two thirds of the Sandgropers’ National AFLW Academy talent.

We spoke to Dziegielewski at the WAFLW Preseason Testing day about her football journey, experiences through the National Academy and some of the mentors and inspirations along the way.

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

CD: “Previously I did athletics and one day I was in Year 8 and my sister whose in Year 6 she was about to start footy back up again. I did do Auskick, and then I decided to join back up again. I started at Yanchep and then got into West Perth Rogers and then played a year there, won a premiership and then got into League. It’s just been really good since then.”

Q: Part of the WA squad as well, what’s that experience been like for you?

CD: “Yeah the WA squad’s amazing. Everyone there, the coaches, they all push you to be your best and it’s really good.”

Q: You made the National Academy squad, what was that and the Futures match like?

CD: “That’s also an amazing opportunity, so thankful to be a part of that. It’s really going to help me improve on my football skills and knowledge. So grateful to be part of that.”

Q: The National Championships last year, the first game was a bit tough the way it ended, what did you take from that to then perform as strongly as you did for the rest of the carnival and make All-Australian?

CD: “Honestly it was really disappointing but it just really gave me some strength to push and just learn from little mistakes like that.”

Q: Is ruck your favourite position?

CD: “Yeah ruck is my favourite position. I do like forward too, I am still learning the skills and how to play that role.”

Q: Do you think you’ll play more there this year or still mostly ruck?

CD: “I’m pretty sure I’m playing more forward just to have a backup position, so I’m more versatile and might have more options.”

Q: What was the trip to New Zealand with the AFLW Academy like?

CD: “That was also really good. I really enjoyed that. I’d never been there before, so having the coaches and everyone around me pushing me to be my best and with my best intention was amazing.”

Q: Looking at your game, what do you see as some of your strengths?

CD: “Maybe just my aerial ability and maybe my athletic background. I think that’s really helped me get to where I am today.”

Q: What about the improvements you’re looking to make?

CD: “Definitely gym and strength, just build up some strength.”

Q: You and Lexi Strachan are usually attached at the hip, what has that been like doing all the same pathway programs (WA, Futures, AFLW Academy) with her?

CD: “Yeah Lexi’s a gun. We’re really close and we really work well together I reckon.”

Q: Which AFLW club do you support?

CD: “West Coast.”

Q: Whose a player you look up to or model your game on?

CD: “Maybe Matilda Scholz. I really like the way she plays and I learn things from her.”

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

CD: “My pop or my mum. My pop is probably my biggest supporter and he was there for me with everything, and my mum… I love my mum, she works really hard for me.”

Q: What goals do you set for yourself this year?

CD: “To get All-Australian again, that would be really a great thing, and obviously to be drafted, that would be absolutely amazing.”

Q: How do you think West Perth will go this year??

CD: “We finished off the season fairly well last year I reckon, but hopefully the same again.”