WHILE her dad Troy is a Williamstown legend and her uncle Scott is an AFL Hall of Famer and Western Bulldogs champion, Addison West is forging her own career in Melbourne’s west. The Western Jets talent has football surging through her veins, but has made her own name over the last 12 months with an impressive bottom-age season to earn Vic Metro hub honours.

We spoke to West at the Talent League Girls Preseason Testing Day about her family legacy and journey, game and inspirations, as well as the goals she has set herself for 2026.

Q: Addison, growing up with the football influence, what’s it been like for you?

AW: “I didn’t start playing footy till about three years ago, but my dad played for Willy (Williamstown) VFL so was always around footy.”

Q: Did you play any other sports growing up?

AW: “Yeah i played basketball and netball growing up.”

Q: What was behind the decision to then take up footy?

AW: “I don’t know, I quit basketball and all my friends were playing footy so I thought I’d just join for fun at my local club.”

Q: Are you a Doggies supporter?

AW: “Yeah, Doggies supporter.”

Q: Do you tend to watch a lot of football as well?

AW: “Yeah I watch a few AFL games.”

Q: Are there any players you try and model your game on?

AW: “Obviously the Bont (Marcus Bontempelli), I love him. Then AFLW, Ella Roberts, I like her game.”

Q: How’s your preseason been so far?

AW: “It’s been pretty good, just been working hard with the Jets and now starting to amp up now.”

Q: No injury setbacks, all fit and firing?

AW: “No, I had a hammy injury at the end of last year but all recovered from that now and feeling good.”

Q: How was it spending a bit of time on the Metro camp as well?

AW: “It was really fun, I’ve never been in that environement before, so it was eye-opening.”

Q: What role or position are you hoping to play this year?

AW: “I think at Jets, inside mid, then at Vic they’ve got me at centre half-forward.”

Q: What do you see as some of your strengths and some of your improvements?

AW: “I feel like growing up with basketball, I have that natural aggression for the ball and speed and tackling. Probably area of improvement would just be my kicking.”

Q: Have you set up any goals for the year?

AW: “Well obviously get drafted is my number one goal and just improving my leadership and having fun with footy.”