By Nick Creely
Futures were made at last Wednesday’s second AFL Women’s draft with Dandenong Stingray pair Georgia Gee and Bridie Kennedy both landing at Carlton for the 2018 season.
In what was a highly successful draft for the TAC Cup club out of Shepley Oval, the youngsters will now don the navy blue after stellar seasons at both VFLW and TAC Cup Girls level.
Gee, 17, was taken at selection 12 from the Beaconsfield Junior Football Club and spent the season with the Stingrays at TAC Cup level, impressing with her composure with the footy.
“(I’m) so excited, was not expecting this – it’s been amazing, and I can’t wait to pull on the jumper and be a part of the Carlton Football Club next year,” Gee told Carlton Media after the draft.
“It’s the best club – it’s probably the club I wanted to go to, with their culture and how they want to bring characters to their club, rather than just footballing skills.”
From a strong footballing background, Gee is certain to add some class to the Blues’ engine room in 2018.
“I’ve been playing since I was born because my pa played for Hawthorn and the Richmond Football Club as well, so it’s always been in the family,” she said.
“My biggest strength in football is my kicking and my decision making and, hopefully, I bring that to the club and it all goes well.”
But the thought of playing at the elite level excites her the most.
“I went to the first game (last season), Collingwood and Carlton, and just had goosebumps the entire game.
“It was incredible to think us girls who have been playing since we were young finally get the opportunity which is amazing,” she said.
Kennedy, 18, surprisingly slipped down to the Blues’ selection at 35, with the reigning TAC Cup Best and Fairest a real steal for the club.
“It was such a relief to finally get my name called out, I was very stressed throughout the draft but I’m so over the moon to go the Blues,” she said post-draft.
“I’m excited about the competition and elite level of it all, it’s very exciting.”
Kennedy’s journey has been slightly different to Gee’s, and hopes she can bring plenty to the table in the AFL next season.
“I just finished my third year of football – I was a basketballer beforehand but just love the sport of footy,” she said.
“My athleticism is my strength – I’ve also really worked on my endurance over the years so, hopefully, I can bring that on to the field.
“I’ve been thrown all over the shop, but I think I’ll be more of a back line player this season.”
In total, 15 Victorians were selected in the draft, with 45 total players realising their dreams around the country.
