By JARROD POTTER
TAKING her hard-earned spot in the state ranks is former Keysborough footballer Jaimee Lambert.
After switching across to the VWFL Premier Division side Eastern Devils last year, Lambert, 22, originally from Noble Park, has pushed a strong case for Victorian selection and earned the right to battle New South Wales in a State of Origin clash this weekend.
The wily midfielder worked hard to bounce back from a disappointing 2014 and was pleased to get her first chance to don the Big V.
“It’s pretty good – first time representing Victoria and I’ve never done it before,” Lambert said.
“I tried out last year, but I couldn’t play because I was suspended.
“Last year was not my finest year – reported twice – but this year has been much better.
“I have no expectations at all – don’t even know how to feel about it.
“It’s a really good group… team mates are playing for Victoria as well and our coach Brendan Major is coaching; I’m pretty nervous but excited at the same time.”
While she admits leaving her beloved Burra (which relocated to Mordialloc) – where she won a VWFL South East Division best and fairest – was a tough choice, the improvement in her game from playing top-tier football has been well worth the shift.
“I loved playing at Keysy, but this steps up my game as well,” Lambert said.
“It’s just really good to be playing good footy.
“This year just the way the girls have come together, all the other clubs just expected us to bomb out, but beating Melbourne Uni and St Kilda felt really good.”
Lambert’s Victorian side will host NSW at Punt Road Oval on Sunday from 1.40pm.
After starring in the AFL Women’s match last Sunday, Endeavour Hills’ Ellie Blackburn will add another Victorian jersey to the cabinet with her selection for the first Victorian side’s clash against Western Australia.
Former Berwick WFC duo Katie Loynes and Kara Donnellan will also feature in the match, but on opposite sides of the ledger as Donnellan will represent WA while Loynes is set to battle for the mighty Vics.
