The heartbreak of missing out in previous AFLW drafts has spurred Ally Dallaway to make her time at the GIANTS count.

After initially missing out in the 2021 AFLW Draft, an injury to Isadora McLeay early in the pre-season opened the door for the local Sydneysider to become a GIANT.

Since then, she’s wasted no time forging a role in the GIANTS midfield.  

The 23-year-old who has played in each of the GIANTS’ six matches this year didn’t expect to debut at all this season.

“Being a first-year player, I didn’t really set any expectations for myself, so I wasn’t expecting anything,” Dallaway said.

“When I arrived at the GIANTS, I didn’t think I’d get a game at all let alone play every game so far.

“I’m a pretty harsh critic of myself so I think not holding any expectations coming in helped me in the end because I had everything to prove but nothing to lose.”

Dallaway recorded a career best 15 disposals, 8 tackles and 3 marks last weekend and says she took plenty of confidence knowing she can mix it with the best.

“I think I’ve really relished my opportunity,” she said.

“I’m proving to myself and everyone else that I can compete at this level, and the hard work I’ve put in is paying off.”

Despite her promising start to the year, Dallaway is under no illusions she needs to improve facets of her game and is leaning on one of the AFLW’s best to ensure she keeps improving.

“Individually I just want to build my confidence and I think that’s slowly improved each week so now it’s about maintaining that and getting better with my disposal efficiency,” she said. 

“Now that I know I can get the ball in hand I’m working on what I do with it and helping the team benefit from that.

“I’ve watched Alyce Parker really closely this year, she’s been great for my development.

 “Her strength in the contest and her general knowledge across the ground is why she’s been such a dominant player for us since she debuted, so I’m trying to learn as much as I can from her.”  

A key member of the East Coast Eagles in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division, Dallaway says the speed and intensity of the game were the biggest differences she noticed from playing at the local level.

“Everything’s a little bit quicker, you’ve got a little bit less time with the ball, so you have to really execute with the ball in hand or you’ll get punished by the opposition.

“It took a bit of adjusting but I think I’m really starting to find my feet now.”

A member of the club’s winter program for the past two years, Dallaway believes the GIANTS are building something special and hopes her own journey will inspire the next generation of aspiring female athletes.

“Obviously I haven’t been here since the start but it’s such a special environment and that stems from the playing group to the staff, to everyone associated with the GIANTS,” she said. 

“I think the club is building something really special.  

“For me I’d love to look back when I’m finished and see myself as someone that achieved everything, they set out to do and show that you don’t have to come from a traditional pathway to make it at this level.

“I think especially in NSW with the growth we’re seeing in women’s AFL the GIANTS are going to provide so many other young females with amazing opportunities.” 

Dallaway is readying herself for the challenge of taking on one of league’s best in Erin Phillips when the GIANTS meet the Adelaide Crows at Henson Park this Saturday afternoon.

“No doubt it’ll be a challenge for us, but I think playing at home really makes a difference,” she said.

“The atmosphere that we had at Henson Park in round four really helped us get the win, and having family and friends there makes such a significant difference for all of us.

 “Just looking out at the hill and seeing how many people came out to support us was surreal, so I can’t wait to finish the season strong in front of the GIANTS members and fans.”