Emily’s journey into the brutal world of Aussie Rules Football wasn’t a smooth ride. She was told she wasn’t tall enough, experienced enough, or good enough to make it. But instead of letting doubt define her, she used it as fuel. From playing in mixed teams where boys refused to pass her the ball to fighting for recognition in a male-dominated sport, Emily pushed through every obstacle thrown her way.
She made it to the AFLW and played for West Coast Eagles—but not without setbacks. Three concussions in one season, brutal tackles, and the fight to prove herself meant she had to constantly adapt, rebuild, and push forward. Now, she’s taking the next step in her career, heading to Melbourne to chase her dream of getting back into pro-level footy.
This episode is about resilience, breaking barriers, and proving that nothing is impossible when you refuse to back down.
0:01 – How Emily Found Aussie Rules & Fell in Love With the Game
2:25 – The Teacher Who Told Her She’d Never Make It
7:56 – Breaking Into a Male-Dominated Sport
15:30 – Making It to the AFLW & the Reality of Professional Footy
21:54 – Setbacks, Concussions & Fighting to Stay in the Game
30:40 – The Pay Gap & Struggles of Women in Pro Sport
38:12 – What’s Next? Emily’s Next Big Move to Melbourne
✔️ How Emily defied the doubters and made it to the AFLW
✔️ The brutal physicality of Aussie Rules and what it takes to compete
✔️ The reality of concussions & the impact on a young career
✔️ The gender pay gap in professional sport & why women still have to work multiple jobs
✔️ The future of women’s Aussie Rules & why it’s finally gaining traction
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