SOUTH Australian ruck Kate Alexander is a towering presence on the field, and now the Norwood tall has her sights set on bigger things. Entering her top-age season, Alexander has a number of goals to tick off as she looks to improve around the ground.
We spoke to Alexander at the recent South Australian Preseason Testing Day about her footy journey, game, inspirations and goals for the year ahead.
Q: Kate tell us a little bit about your footy journey?
KA: “I grew up playing netball and I played netball for seven years. Then heaps of my friends started playing local footy for Modbury and Golden Grove so I decided to go out and I liked it heaps better than netbal,l so went with that.”
Q: What level did you get with your netball?
KA: “Netball I went into ones (top local grade) before I quit a year, year and a half ago.”
Q: What was the main factor behind that aside from liking footy a bit better?
KA: “I thought I had a bit more of a future in football. I was alright at netball, I just wasn’t as good at it as I am with footy.”
Q: How’s it been transitioning from local footy to the SANFLW and state programs?
KA: “It’s been really good, all the state programs like Bek (McMahon, U16s coach and SANFL Talent Coordinator – Female Programs) all the coaches are really good. It’s been a good professional environment to be in which prepares you for games and everything which is really good.”
Q: What’s your preferred position and where do you think you’ll fit in this year?
KA: “Ruck and then I’m doing a bit more forward craft this year so can hopefully kick a few more goals.”
Q: What are some of the strengths in your game?
KA: “I think my bodywork’s pretty good. I’ve got a strong upper body. Below my knees I think I’m pretty clean with my hands when the opportunity is there.”
Q: What are you still working on?
KA: “I’ve been trying to get better at my aerial contests, so get more marks throughout the games, and probably my endurance as well, working on that, and speed over the off-season.”
Q: Do you tend to watch a lot of football?
KA: “Yes I go for the Crows, so I go to all their home games, got the membership with games. It’s so good.”
Q: Is there anyone in particular that you try and mould your game on or look up to?
KA: “She plays for Port, but I love Matilda Scholz‘s game. She’s really good in the ruck and then when she goes up forward, she’s really good as well. She just plays anywhere really good.”
Q: Who do you think has had the most impact on your career so far?
KA: “Probably my parents or my uncle. They’ve just been supporting me through all of it since I was playing netball and they used to drive me everywhere when I didn’t have my licence so they’re very supportive.”
Q: Lastly, what goals have you set our to achieve this year?
KA: “I would love to get drafted, but before that I’m just trying to focus on having a really good year and having fun for Norwood. Then hopefully get picked for state having a really good state champs as well.”
