{"id":115417,"date":"2022-09-01T11:59:40","date_gmt":"2022-09-01T01:59:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=115417"},"modified":"2022-09-01T11:59:43","modified_gmt":"2022-09-01T01:59:43","slug":"wilcox-enjoying-the-new-challenges-of-aflw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2022\/09\/01\/wilcox-enjoying-the-new-challenges-of-aflw\/","title":{"rendered":"Wilcox enjoying the new challenges of AFLW"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ONE of the fresh faces to pull on the Western Bulldogs\u2019 jumper for the first time in their win over GWS on Sunday was highly touted youngster Rylie Wilcox<\/a>. The 17-year-old described her debut as “surreal”, and made plenty of learnings along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was not the first time Wilcox had played on Ikon Park this year, having turned out on the ground for Carlton\u2019s VFLW side earlier in the year. She noted there was one major difference between the two games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was much more physical, like the intensity is really high,” she said. “It\u2019s hard to keep up with it but hopefully I can go in, go smooth as the season goes on.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originally from the Northern Knights in the NAB League, Wilcox noted how her time there helped her transition up to the AFLW, especially in the way of finding her spot on the ground. Though she has also cut her teeth as a forward, the speedy customer seems set on where she will spend most her time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI played the wing position literally for the whole NAB League season, although I did only play five games due to injury,” she said. “But just knowing that position, it\u2019s quite difficult, and I think during Knights I learnt that position quite well so that I can then play that at AFLW (level).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think I might stay on the wing, depends on what Burkey [Nathan Burke] wants me to do. I wouldn\u2019t mind having a rotation into the forward line but I love the wing. I\u2019ve understood the position quite well I feel, so yeah wouldn\u2019t be surprised if I stay on the wing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There have been a number of experienced Bulldogs looking out for her during her time at the club thus far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI must say the leadership group, so Katie Lynch<\/a>, Ellie Blackburn<\/a>, all those girls, and just everyone basically getting around us youngies (has helped),” she said. “I literally couldn\u2019t pinpoint anyone but they\u2019ve been all great.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a successful debut alongside fellow NAB League graduate Heidi Woodley<\/a>, Wilcox’s next chance to impress will come in a Round 2 clash against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval on Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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