Elisabeth Georgostathis was left stunned after finding out she had been nominated for the AFLW rising star award.
The Bulldogs midfielder was one of the two round seven nominees for the award, after a breakout game against Geelong.
Georgostathis, who is in her third season, said it was amazing to receive the recognition.
“I was actually pretty shocked about it when Burkey [coach Nathan Burke] announced it on the bus,” she said. “I was a bit shocked and overwhelmed, it’s great.
“It just didn’t cross my mind at all, I wasn’t expecting it.”
Georgostathis said she had made some minor changes to her game heading into the Geelong match, but was unsure where the breakout game had come from
In that game, she had 23 possessions and kicked a goal.
“I don’t even know how it happened or how it came across,” she said.
“I just went into the game with a little bit of a different mindset, trying to be attacking and play my role for the team and do everything I could.
“I suppose I got rewarded a bit with the goal and disposals, which was good. It was about playing my game and playing my team role, nothing too big.”
Georgostathis has backed it up in the two games since, being one of the sides best.
She said this year she had taken steps forward with her career.
“My form has definitely improved with skills and learning about the game as well. In my first year I lacked the knowledge of how the speed of the game was played.
“Coming into my third season I’ve got all that knowledge from my previous years and I’ve been able to improve on the things I’ve needed to do.
She said the season had been hard at times, with the side having to play a number of games in a short period of time after COVID-19 went through a lot of the side.
Georgostathis said they had been focused on doing what they could to get up each week.
The Bulldogs have played some exciting football in recent weeks, with the young talent starting to show through.
Georgostathis said the future was exciting.
“I think we’re one of the youngest sides out there and to be able to do what we do each week and put up a great fight against some of the best teams in the league,” she said.
“It’s amazing to see what we are capable of and it’s exciting to see what we can be in the future, I’m so excited.
“Hopefully we can win the last few games and push for a finals spot.”
On Sunday, the Bulldogs lost to Collingwood.
The Magpies led at every change, winning 10.6 (66)-6.5 (41).
Georgostathis was named in the best along with Ellie Blackburn, Kirsty Lamb and Jess Fitzgerald.
Tara Murray
