TWO years after featuring in the first ever AFL Women’s match, Geelong midfielder Maddy Keryk will be a part of another piece of the competition’s history when she runs out in the Hoops on Saturday night.
And like it was when Keryk was wearing the navy blue of Carlton on that balmy February night in 2017, the opponent will again be Collingwood.
“I learnt a few things out of playing in that first game down at Ikon Park,” Keryk said.
“It was a massive crowd that night, so hopefully we get a similar crowd on the weekend; lots of Cats fans would be awesome to see down here cheering us on to help us get over the line over Collingwood.”
AFLW: GARING PUTS BACK ISSUES BEHIND HER
It has been an interesting 24 months for the 23-year-old.
After being drafted by the Blues, Keryk was named co-vice-captain and played six of the seven games.
However, she appeared just twice in 2018 and was delisted, but not before starting the VFLW season with Carlton.
With her card stamped at Ikon Park, Keryk made a move to the Cats but with no guarantee of an AFL spot.
However, she did enough in 12 appearances with Geelong, including the grand final, for her name to be called with pick No.62 in last year’s National Draft.
“I’ve loved every moment since I’ve got down here, so I’m looking forward to getting started on the weekend,” Keryk said.
“I’ve always appreciated playing footy and having the opportunity to play at AFLW level.
“But, I suppose, you make the most of those opportunities, and you never take it for granted, that opportunity, because you never know how long you’re going to get the opportunity to play at this level.”
AFLW: CATS WITH A POINT TO PROVE
Geelong had the better of Carlton in a practice match on January 19, but Keryk says she didn’t attack that match with a point to prove.
“I prepared for it the same as I would any other game; just more focus on things that we’re trying to implement here and playing the brand of footy that we want to play as a team,” she said.
“So, I was more focused on that than anything else.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
