Tara Murray
Williamstown’s Bridie Kennedy and Western Bulldogs Victorian Football League Women’s player Eliza Vale are both headed to Sydney to chase their AFLW dream.
The two were among the latest signings announced by Sydney as it puts together its list for its inaugural AFLW season.
Kennedy, who joined Williamstown this season, gets a second shot in the AFLW.
She previously played 11 games with Carlton.
Speaking to Swans media, Kennedy said she’s excited to get a second opportunity.
“It’s so exciting being part of the Sydney Swans,” she said.
“I just want to play some good consistent footy and hopefully get selected for round one and the next few rounds and show what I’m really made of.
“I feel like my first time round I didn’t get to show what I am as a football player.”
Swans coach Scott Gowans, who coached Kennedy at under-age level, said he believed that coming to the Swans will help take her game to the next level.
Vale has been part of the Bulldogs VFLW program for the past two years.
She played junior football in the Western Region Football League for Melbourne University.
Vale said she hasn’t stopped smiling since finding out that she’s made an AFLW list.
“It’s surreal to be honest,” she told Swans media. “I think the part of it being inguinal team is just amazing, just adds another element to it and makes it more exciting and it means I’m a part of something much bigger in years to come.
“The satisfying part of it as well, is knowing all the hard work has paid off, I’m over the moon.”
Gowans said that Vale had grown up playing with the stars of the game, but other commitments had kept her from getting her opportunity.
“She had an outstanding season at the Bulldogs in the VFLW, playing in the backline and she found a lot of the footy. She really uses the ball well by foot and I can see her playing a great role down back for us.”
