ALREADY enjoying a strong start to her top-age season through the AAMI Talent League, South Australian ruck Lucy Farnsworth is looking to make improvements across her game. The strong tall is averaging 16.3 disposals, 23.3 hitouts, 6.0 tackles, 5.3 clearances and 4.0 inside 50s across the first three games of the Under 18 Girls competition for the Woodville-West Torrens Eagles.
We spoke to Farnsworth about her football journey, favourite role, and goals for the 2026 season.
Q: Lucy, tell us a little bit about your footy journey?
LF: “I started when I was 10 at SMOSH West Lakes, and then I moved to Henley I think two years in which is where I met most of the people I play with now. Then I started playing in the Development League for Eagles and I was really loving it so I kept doing that. Last year I played development, didn’t get a chance at League. I was pretty close, but hopefully this year I get the chance. I’ve been in the State Academy last year but I didn’t get picked unfortunately. I think it’s given me more resilience to keep going. This year I’m playing Under 18s for the first time and then hopefully I get picked for the League.”
Q: What’s your favourite position?
LF: “I love playing centre half-forward, that’s my favourite. I also do a lot of rucking for my team because I am tall. I played a lot of ruck when I was younger because I was always the tallest and I loved that. I did a lot of athletics when I was younger as well and had that high jump vibe. I went into that mostly, but I do love centre half-forward, that’s what I’ve been doing for the last two years.”
Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?
LF: “I’m a stronger player, I like to push through the contest. I’m really working on my speed the last two years so I think that’s become a strength, and my height. I think that’s a big one for marking.”
Q: What about some of the improvements you’re looking to make?
LF: “Definitely my hands, and getting down on the ball, getting on the floor. Because I am a tall player I feel that’s something I’m a bit weak in, but I think if I just get that, I’ll be able to improve.”
Q: What AFLW club do you support?
LF: “Port Adelaide.”
Q: Has that just been family?
LF: “Yeah my mum has always gone for them so I just followed that.”
Q: Is there a player you model your game on or look up to?
LF: “I do love Matilda Scholz because she’s a very tall player, its easy to connect our games and I love how she pushes through the contests and she’s very strong with marking. I feel like I really want to base my game off that.”
Q: Who’s had the most influence on your career?
LF: “I feel like my mum’s always been there for me. She got me into football and she’s always given me so many opportunities. I feel like I wouldn’t really be where I am without my parents.”
Q: What goals do you set for yourself?
LF: “I like to be training all the time. If I have something I have to improve on I try to work on that any free time I have. I’ve been especially working on my hands this season, so any free time I have, I like to set goals, do all of that each week, and speed work and running.”
