By Ewen McRae
The Western Region Football League’s inaugural women’s MVP has not given up hope of showing her wares on the national stage after a dominant season for Manor Lakes.
Gemma Anderson, who was named league best and fairest last week by 10 votes, admitted she was shocked to claim the award after four years out of the game.
“It was a bit of a shock to be honest – not just winning but to do it by so much was definitely a surprise,” Anderson said. “I went in knowing I would do OK, but I didn’t expect that.
“I think I came into the season not knowing how I would fare, not looking at anything like a best and fairest, let alone a league award, so it was pleasing to have that year after a bit of a lay off.
“I think the development I’ve had as a person in those four years off definitely helped me with my football and staying more consistent.”
Anderson has previously played with VFL powerhouse Darebin and Melbourne University, but was talked into playing for Manor Lakes this year after being approached by a friend at her local Crossfit class.
“I never stopped kicking the football and always thought I could potentially return to playing,” she said.
“I was having a kick at Crossfit one day and one of the girls said I should come down to pre-season and see how I feel – and the rest is history.
“It took me a couple of weeks to find my feet again, but the coach gave me a lot of freedom to play my role in the team and not be locked into a position, so that was really refreshing.”
Manor Lakes was the dominant side in the first year of the WRFL women’s competition, going through the season undefeated on its way to a premiership. Anderson won the best-on-ground medal in the grand final triumph.
Anderson, 35, is setting her sights on a potential AFLW deal, with only one minor hiccup to overcome.
“I want to be the best footballer I can be and play at the highest level I can, so a year like this has been really good for my confidence going forward,” she said.
“I wanted to enter the draft, but when we looked it up we found out I was two days late with the paperwork, so we’re seeing what we can do on that front.
“The window of opportunity for me is not as big as some of the younger girls, but I back myself in and I’m going to give myself every opportunity in terms of staying really fit and doing the work and seeing what happens.”
MORE WRFL NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/relaxed-outlook-pays-off/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/award-winner-chases-team-success/
