Draftees set to don sash for first time.
Draftees Grace Belloni, Holly Ridewood and Taya Chambers are all set to be unleashed by Essendon in their exciting round one clash with GWS in Canberra on Saturday.
The trio have been standouts on and off the track in their first pre-season at AFLW level, all ready to take to the elite stage when the Dons open their fourth campaign in the competition.
Last year’s touted pick No.9 Belloni has made immediate impact as an inside midfielder in the side’s various match simulations, building off an impressive 2024 Coates Talent League which propelled her into first-round draft estimations. At 174cm, her strong frame also makes her a tantalising prospect up forward, where she spent the early years of her junior career honing her craft.
The 18-year-old was ecstatic when the news was announced in front of both the AFL and AFLW programs on Tuesday afternoon.
“I wasn’t expecting it to all happen in that moment in front of the playing group, but it was such a relief. This is everything I’ve ever dreamed of, and hearing my name called out was surreal, Belloni said.
“Now, the focus shifts to Saturday’s game, in that moment I will feel incredibly proud to run out for the Essendon Football Club and to share that opportunity with the whole playing group makes it even more special.”
Ridewood is another who’s flourished in different roles over the pre-season since coming across to the Bombers.
Already earmarked as a future leader from her experience as skipper of the Northern Knights last year, the pick No.12 has also impressed with her penetrating kicking and mobility around the ground, which could see her featuring across all three lines as her career progresses.
Excited to open her account at the highest level, the moment was one to cherish for the teenager.
“When my name got called out, I was in complete shock and just incredibly proud. I’ve worked so hard throughout the pre-season, and to have my Debut moment finally arrive is beyond exciting, Ridewood said.
“My family are over the moon and will all be there on Saturday, which makes it even more special, and I can’t wait to share the day with them.”
In the case of Chambers, uprooting her life in moving across from East Fremantle looks to be paying immediate dividends as the pick No.30 gears up for an early debut.
Equipped with plenty of experience against senior bodies – notably even featuring in WAFL fixtures as young as the age of 15 – Chambers also brings big-game nous from multiple Grand Final appearances at state level.
The 176cm defender is hoping to complement the side’s defensive stocks nicely as her family get set to jet across to Canberra to see her fulfilling a childhood dream.
“As soon as I heard the news, a wave of excitement hit me, it’s something I’ve looked forward to for such a long time and have worked extremely hard to achieve, Chambers said.
“I’m so excited to run out on Saturday and Don the sash, and I know it’s a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my sporting career. Of course, there are a few nerves, but I’m ready to just go out there and play my role.”
The Bombers face GWS for the first time in their history from 5:35pm AEST on Saturday at Corroboree Group Oval Manuka, broadcast live on FOX and Kayo.