ULTRA athletic tall forward Aiyana Pritchard has come on in leaps and bounds over the last few years, providing plenty of highlight reel moments along the way. For someone who only picked up the code in recent years, Pritchard’s rise into the National Academy has been well deserved.
We spoke to Pritchard at the Queensland Preseason Testing Day where she spoke about her footy journey, game, inspirations and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Aiyana, tell us a bit about your footy journey?
AP: “I started when I was in Grade 8 I think. I did not know what AFL was and one of my friends (Stella Scott) whose in the Academy now got me into it. Once I started I just fell in love with it and couldn’t get enough of it really and so I did school footy for a bit and then went to club the year after, and then got into the Academy the next year after, so that’s basically how I started.”
Q: Did you play other sports growing up?
AP: “Yeah I mainly did track and field, and netball as well. They were my main thing. I figured they were a good foundation for AFL.”
Q: Who’s had the most influence on your career?
AP: “Probably Zilks (Emma Zieke). I think being my coach and being the person to introduce me to the Academy, she has really helped me grow and develop and find my confidence on the field. She’s been a big help in my journey.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
AP: “Definitely my speed. I think off the ball and maybe tackle pressure.”
Q: What about what you’re looking to improve on at the moment?
AP: “Just kicking on the run going for goal at speed, and getting my marking up to scratch.”
Q: Which AFLW club do you support?
AP: “Brisbane Lions.”
Q: Whose someone you look up to at the top level?
AP: “Courtney Hodder. She’s like a bible, she’s crazy. Every time she plays, week-in, week-out, its so good to watch her. I really aspire to be like her.”
Q: Are you still looking to play forward or a different role?
AP: “I think I do want to play forward and become a master of my craft. Really focused on that and develop my skills there.”
Q: What goals are you hoping to achieve this year?
AP: “Just finalising my game, like how I want to play on the field and being more consistent. Obviously I want to get drafted, but I think I’ve just got to get my game up to scratch.”
