BREAKING the all-time vertical jumps records at the recent Giants Academy Preseason Testing event, Morgan Stevens boasts some remarkable athletic traits for her size. The key defender is often stopping opponents from scoring, but she has some weaponous offensive traits as well which are highlighted by her speed and aerial ability.
We spoke to Stevens at the testing event about her footy journey, how she has found the rapid rise to the National Academy, and the goals she sets for the year ahead.
Q: Morgan, tell us a little bit about your footy journey?
MS: “I think I definitely started with my parents. They were big footy players, always was a part of growing up. I actually had an Auskick clinic, and that’s what brought me into the game. They picked me out and went ‘you know I reckon you could be a great player’ and ever since then, it’s just gone from there.”
Q: How’s it been going from local footy to Giants and Allies?
MS: “It’s pretty crazy actually. The different jumps between levels is honestly quite big, but obviously local footy definitely more of a community involved. It’s great been around all the girls. Giants have a special place in my heart, everyone else is on the same page. Pretty much everyone wants to get drafted, so you’ve got that really high level, there’s people who really want to get there, and we all help each other, push ourselves where we need to get to.”
Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?
MS: “I’d say my mum and dad, definitely. They’re the biggest supporters I have. They help with everything, driving from trainings since I was little. Kicking on the oval with me on the weekends, and all those side things that are often forgotten. But definitely I would say they’ve had the most influence on the player I am today.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
MS: “I’d definitely say my run and carry and my kicking. I think breaking lines is something that I’m quite good at, and I obviously hope to get better at as well.”
Q: What about the improvements you’re looking to make?
MS: “Probably endurance, and also some bodywork and that kind of stuff. Around contests, just trying to get myself more in the game and getting the ball into my hands so I can get it out.”
Q: How have you found the rise of the last 12 months into the U17 Futures game and National Academy been?
MS: “It’s been pretty crazy, I never through the girl from Canberra would make it to stuff like that so it’s obviously pretty insane. But I definitely think its a payoff for all the hard work I’ve put in over the years, so I’m honestly really excited for this year to come and play in those games. I’m just really looking forward to it.”
Q: Which AFLW club do you support?
MS: “The Giants.”
Q: Is there a player you look up to or model your game on?
MS: “There are a few. Cambridge McCormick, she plays a pretty similar role to me in the Giants program. She would definitely be one that I would model my game on a lot. I also look up to Tarni Evans as well. Her being from Canberra and around the region as well. I’d say definitely Cambridge is who I model my game off especially because she breaks those lines and I try and emulate that in my own game.”
Q: Finally, what goals do you set for yourself this year?
MS: “My goals for this year would probably be to just have fun and try and take the stress away and just become a better player for myself and my teammates and just push harder than I ever have before.”
