TALL defender Jade Brazier gained great experience through the Queensland side last season as a bottom-ager and now the Maroochydore junior is ready to take another step in her football development. A member of the Brisbane Lions Academy, Brazier has thrived on holding down a key role behind the ball.

We spoke to Brazier at the recent Queensland Preseason Testing Day about her football journey, inspirations, travel commitments and goals for the year ahead.

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

JB: “I’ve always grown up around footy. Both my mum and dad played when I was little and I started playing soccer but my brother played footy and then transitioned across in Under 15s.”

Q: Did you get to a high level with your soccer?

JB: “I did and I was playing both high level with AFL and soccer so I could pick either one, it was too much to handle.”

Q: How’s your preseason been so far?

JB: “It’s been really good, I’m loving the group of girls, it’s really good to get around them and I’m excited for the season.”

Q: What position do you think you’ll play this year?

JB: “Bit of a key back/centre half-back role. I aim to get a leadership role as well in the team, but wait and see how the preseason goes.”

Q: Have you had an opportunity to train with or catch up with the senior girls at the Lions?

JB: “We have Bre Koenen come down and help out, especially in the backline. She’s a really good rolemodel and someone I look up to, so that’s nice.”

Q: Do you watch a lot of footy?

JB: “I do a bit, especially the men’s. I go for Geelong Cats so try to get to as many of their games as I can.”

Q: Any reason for supporting Geelong?

JB: “Well my mum grew up in Geelong so all of my mum’s side of the family go for Geelong.”

Q: How was the grand final with Geelong playing Brisbane? Did you watch it or go?

JB: “No I was in Canberra watching it with some mates. It was good.”

Q: Do you try and model your game on anyone in particular at the top level?

JB: “I used to look up to Joel Selwood a heap in the men’s. Obviously sad to see him go, but I just look up to how hard he hunts the ball and gets himself into some really good positions.”

Q: What are some of your strengths and improvements?

JB: “My penetrating kick, especially during kickouts out of the backline, I think is something I would say is my weapon. Overhead marks and probably my positioning around a defender is something I need to work on.”

Q: Is there a teammate you think will have a good year?/

JB: “Probably Molly Ferguson. She is an absolutely amazing person on and off the field. I carpool down with a heap of the Sunny Coast girls so it’s been really good to get close with them and see how hard they work.

Q: What’s travel like for you?

JB: “It’s a lot. We have to leave at lunchtime twice a week from school, takes about three hours to get about three hours to get to Ipswich and then an hour and a half (training time) so it’s a big trip, but it’s worth it in the end.”

Q: What goals have you set up this year to achieve?

JB: “End goal would be to get drafted. Really pushing high for that, but honestly just to have fun. I play good footy when I’m having fun, so just enjoy it.”