{"id":209316,"date":"2026-03-03T11:00:43","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T01:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=209316"},"modified":"2026-03-03T11:00:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T01:00:45","slug":"2026-aflw-draft-qa-emily-rankin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/03\/03\/2026-aflw-draft-qa-emily-rankin\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 AFLW Draft Q&A: Emily Rankin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A CLEAN and tough natural inside midfielder, Emily Rankin<\/a> has been one of a plethora of exciting Eastern Ranges prospects coming through the pathway in the program. Already impressing for Vic Metro at Under 16s level then holding her spot through the Ranges’ last two seasons, she enters 2026 set to take control of the midfield alongside a couple of National Academy members in Brylee Anderson<\/strong> and Scout<\/strong> Semple<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We spoke to Rankin at the Talent League Girls Preseason Testing Day over the weekend to find out more about her footy journey and rise through the pathways, those who have impacted her career, and her goals for the year ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Emily, just tell us a little bit about your footy journey?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ER:<\/strong> “I started my junior footy at Heathmont in the EFNL and then after two seasons in Under 12s moved to Park Orchards where I am now.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: What was it like rising from local to Eastern?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ER:<\/strong> “It’s been a massive step up in the training standards and professionalism, but it’s been great.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: You’ve been involved with the Vic Metro across the 16s and were a train-on and now in the hub at 18s, what’s that been like?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ER:<\/strong> “It’s been amazing. Moving from 16s as a bottom-bottom-ager into Under 18s has been great. The girls have made a massive difference. Georgie Brisbane was my captain and she made a massive impact on my footy and with confidence and it’s been outstanding, I’ve been very fortunate.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Do you anticipate you’ll play full-time midfield this year or still some time forward?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ER:<\/strong> “Full-time mid at the moment, but obviously might rest forward a bit or just to change it up sometimes I’ll go into the forwardline.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ER:<\/strong> “I’d say my strengths are my clean hands and decision making.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: What are you looking to improve on?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ER:<\/strong> “Driving my legs out of the contest.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Who has had the most influence on your career?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ER:<\/strong> “Definitely my parents. Dad played a bit of footy when he was younger and my mum’s my biggest supporter as well so definitely them, I play for them.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Which AFLW club do you support?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ER:<\/strong> “Melbourne.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Is there a reason? Just family?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ER:<\/strong> “Yeah diehard Melbourne supporters since I was born, so didn’t really have a choice.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Is there a player you look up to or model your game on?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ER:<\/strong> “I’d definitely say Christian Petracca even though he left Melbourne. I just admire his leadership qualities and his ability to play mid and then go into the forward and create space and bring everyone into the game.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Finally, what goals do you set for yourself this year?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ER:<\/strong> “Obviously end goal is to get drafted, but definitely win another flag at the Eastern Ranges.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mentions<\/span><\/span><\/div>