MURRAY Bushrangers sharpshooter Majella Day is no stranger to long car rides, with the Giants Academy member spending many hours on the road to chase her AFL Women’s dream. The National Academy representative is one of the top prospects in this year’s AFLW Draft and will be one to watch throughout the Talent League Girls.

We spoke to Day at the Giants Academy Preseason Testing Day about her journey, her commitments, inspirations and goals for the year ahead.

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

MD: “I started back in my hometown Lockhart in Auskick. Playing with the boys all the way up to Under 14s when I was no longer allowed to play with the boys so had to move down to Albury which is about an hour and a half from home. Played in that local comp, then I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to still be in the Giants program from when I was Under 12s so then I was in that development all the way up into the Academy. Then also being involved in Murray Bushrangers.”

Q: How’s it gone from starting at local to playing at those higher level?

MD: “It has been awesome. You get so many opportunities, you meet so many new people, new coaches who are willing to help you out along the way to help you pursue your dreams of making AFLW.”

Q: Are you still looking to play forward this year or another role?

MD: “I see myself probably playing forward but as always I’m happy to play wherever I’m told, very versatile.”

Q: Murray’s younger group seems to be getting stronger, how are you feeling about that side?

MD: “Yeah absolutely. I think having Tyson (Saunders) there as a coach and he’s a very good advocate to help improve the Bushrangers since we live so far away. Like I live two and a half hours from training, so having such a big variety of kids, definitely makes it hard, but he’s working hard to improve that.”

Q: Who do you think’s had the most influence on your career?

MD: “Probably of recently Michael Mazzocchi (coaching and talent roles at Turvey Park and Giants Academy) but probably my whole career Andy Jones. He was my Under 14s coach and he always pushed me really hard and knew what potential I had, and how hard I had to work and definitely taught me I know. But Michael Mazzocchi recently has definitely stepped up and helped me a lot.”

Q: What’s it been like in the National Academy going to New Zealand?

MD: “National Academy it was an unreal experience. Met so many new girls, great coaching group. The facilities were unreal, it was probably the best experience I’ve ever had.”

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

MD: “My marking ability, and leading towards the footy and goalkicking.”

Q: What about some of your improvements?

MD: “My speed just out of contest.”

Q: Which AFLW club do you support?

MD: “Carlton.”

Q: Is there a reason behind that?

MD: “I go for Carlton in the boys and I like Ikon Park, it’s nice.”

Q: Which player do you look up to or model your game on?

MD: “Tarni Evans from the Giants, I feel like we have a lot in common.”

Q: What goals do you set for the year ahead?

MD: “I want to play my best footy, give every opportunity my best shot, and hopefully make AFLW.”