A BREAKOUT season in her debut year for Swan Districts’ WAFL Women’s side, Summer Ajduk forced her way back into the state program and could be a notable eye-catcher for the Black Ducks. Ajduk has taken each opportunity as it has come, and will be a key link between midfield and attack in 2026.

We spoke to Ajduk at the recent West Australian Preseason Testing Day about her football journey, game, inspirations and goals for the upcoming season.

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

SA: “In Year 3 I started playing footy, I was really inspired by my uncle Steven Armstrong who played for Eagles and Melbourne. I just played with the boys throughout a couple of years and then I got to Year 7 and played for Kalamunda Tigers. Really loved that with the girls, and then got asked in the development program for Swans, started playing Rogers for a year or so. Then I was fortunate enough to debut for Swans League in 2025 as a 16-year-old. I played state school girls at 15s at Ballarat, that was a really good experience, and then was selected for 16s in 2024. Then in 18s now, so I just really enjoy playing.”

Q: You seemed to have a breakout year last year for Swans, what was that like?

SA: “I was very grateful and fortunate for that. It was good to have the girls and a lot of the coaches around me. It was such a weird experience and we got to play in the grand final too.”

Q: What do you think the catalyst was for developing so much from the 16s year to your bottom-age year?

SA: “It was a bit challenging having to switch from girls my age then to girls who are much older than me, but it was great.”

Q: What’s your favourite position to play?

SA: “I really enjoy inside mid, but I like to be versatile. I do like half-forward too, anywhere really.”

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

SA: “My speed and breaking out. I think just running and grabbing the ball and kicking it forward.”

Q: What are you looking to improve on at the moment?

SA: “More of my groundballs and maybe contested, getting a bit stronger.”

Q: Which AFLW club do you support?

SA: “Eagles.”

Q: Which player do you look up to at the top level?

SA: “Ella Roberts. She’s really outgoing and a hard-working player, she inspires a lot of young girls.”

Q: Which person has had the most influence on your individual career?

SA: “Probably my parents, my mum and dad. But also my uncles and my pop. But more my parents, my dad’s very supportive and my mum doesn’t want to miss a game and I love that.”

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

SA: “To have a good 18s program, and just to give my best to everything and give it 100 per cent and hopefully get drafted.”