EASTERN Ranges utility Brylee Anderson is looking to follow in the footsteps of older brother Cody and reach the top level, with the National Academy member among the top prospects in this year’s AFLW Draft. An MVP winner at Under 16s level with Vic Metro, Anderson gets the keys to lead the Ranges’ midfield alongside the likes of Emily Rankin and Scout Semple this season in what promises to be a big year for the club once again.

We spoke to Anderson at the Talent League Girls Preseason Testing Day about her footy journey, game, experiences with elite-level program and goals for the year ahead.

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

BA: “I started playing footy when I was about eight years-old. I started with Auskick from watching my brothers I always wanted to do what they did, and my dad also played so I was around the footy club a lot. I grew up playing for Healesville and then got into Interleague and then came to Ranges, so it’s been good.”

Q: What’s the rise from local level up to Ranges and then Metro been for you?

BA: “It’s been really good just learning from the different coaches. Obviously they get better with the higher level you’re playing, and then learning off the other girls. A lot of them are really good to learn from, their skills and how they go about it. It’s a tough competition, but it’s good fun.”

Q: Being involved with Metro for a few years and won the MVP at 16s, what’s it been like coming through that pathway at 16s and 18s?

BA: “It’s been really good. Some of the girls are just awesome to work with and play with, so it’s been a lot of fun.”

Q: Do you have a preferred position?

BA: “I play mainly midfield, but every now and then go down the backline, and then as well forward sometimes. I play wherever they want me to play, I’ll do it.”

Q: Who’s had the most influence on your career?

BA: “I’d definitely say my parents, mum and dad. They always want the best for me and want me to have fun out there. Then also my older brother and younger brother, they’re the reason I play footy and they challenge me.”

Q: What’s it been like following Cody through the pathway?

BA: “It’s been really good just looking up to him. He’s given me a bit of advice, but it’s just cool to see him go through it and maybe I’ll go through something similar to that hopefully.”

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

BA: “I definitely think my contested game is one of my strengths, just working on that, but also working on the areas for improvement as well.

Q: What are some of the improvements you’re working on at the moment?

BA: “I think just my running, driving out of stoppage at the minute. I think I can win the ball, but I just need to get to the next level of being able to drive out of the stoppage, and my aerobic capacity throughout the game.”

Q: Which AFLW club do you support?

BA: “I go for the Western Bulldogs.”

Q: Is that just because of family?

BA: “My dad went for Western Bulldogs so all of the family go for them. But now that Cody’s been drafted, a bit of Hawthorn as well.”

Q: Who’s a player you look up to or model your game on at the top level?

BA: “I like watching Charlie Rowbottom from AFLW. She’s really good, her contested game. For AFL I like watching Marcus Bontempelli, I think he’s a gun of a player and really good to watch and learn a bit off.”

Q: What was the National Academy camp like?

BA: “It was a lot of fun. National Academy’s been great, all the coaches are awesome. They’re always finding ways to challenge you and make you feel comfortable being uncomfortable. It was a really good experience.”

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

BA: “Obviously the end goal is to get drafted, but just enjoy my footy, play consistent footy. For now, that’s the goal.”