It’s been a long time in the making for Kiera Whiley but her life-long dream could become a reality on Monday night.
Whiley has been playing football for more than half of her life and her hobby could soon be her career if her name was to be read out on December 18 at the AFLW draft.
“It’s quite nerve wracking coming this close, it feels like there’s been such a long build up to it and then suddenly it’s right around the corner,” she said.
“It’s kind of always been the dream pretty much since I started before there was even a girls league around I decided this is what I wanted to do.
“[If I got drafted] it would honestly be the most insane thing ever, it’s been quite a few years watching other people get up and get their dream finally.
“Looking back at little nine-year-old me just playing footy with the boys and watching those boys get their name read out, it would just mean the world to me to have that opportunity.
“So many years in the making and just this opportunity to make a career out of something that I’ve always wanted.”
From playing junior footy with Caroline Springs in the Western Region Football League, Whiley quickly graduated to the Coates Talent League joining the Western Jets at just 14. She is now aligned with Hillside.
“It’s been a bit of a weird adjustment no longer being a part of it, I’ve been there forever so it was such a normal part of my life and I’m really grateful that I was able to be in that program for so long,” she said.
“It really taught me a lot and there are so many habits that I’ve developed from just being a part of my life that I think have made a big impact on where I am now.
“Even in the earlier years watching the girls go off and play Vic Metro and bring back what they learnt, I think being around people while growing up is such an important thing.”
Whiley then went on to make her own mark at the Vic Metro level, playing for them in the two most recent carnivals. She also made her Victorian Football League debut this year for the Western Bulldogs in round seven against Williamstown.
“It really opened my eyes. It’s another level up again, just the professionalism and then amount of fun and enjoyment that the girls are still able to bring into it but being able to flick the switch when necessary to get the most out of training,” she said.
“While captaining the Jets, my goal was always to be leading by example so being able to bring back what I learned and setting the standard was quite beneficial I think.”
While Whiley has been touted heading into Monday’s draft as a bona fide midfielder, she isn’t too sure that description is the most accurate of her abilities.
“I’ve always valued being quite versatile, while I do enjoy midfield I think naturally I’m a halfback at heart, I’ve always really enjoyed that position,” she said.
“Also the wing is something that I’ve spent a bit of time doing and I really do enjoy that as well. But I value versatility so I think any of those positions my skills can translate across.”
Like many other girls in the same position as Whiley she has opted into the national draft, declaring she would be grateful to land at any of the 18 clubs in the competition.
“A lot can be said for that independence and my parents have always been very supportive so I know that it still won’t be too far and they’re just a phone call away,” she said.
“I still feel very supported if my name happens to get called for a team interstate.”
