Tait Mackrill will become the 46th GIANT to pull on the orange jumper when she makes her AFL Women’s debut on Saturday.
The 19-year-old South Australian will be the GIANTS’ fifth debutant of the season when they take on Carlton at Blacktown International Sportspark.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed about my whole life,” Mackrill said.
“I spent my first birthday on my dad’s shoulders after watching him win a premiership.
“There have been a lot of people who have said ‘she’ll never make it, she’s not determined enough, she’s not resilient enough’.
“To finally prove them wrong is huge.”
FAN DAY: Don't miss your chance to see the GIANTS' AFL, AFLW and Netball stars all in one place this Saturday!
Mackrill’s debut comes after a long time waiting, the Adelaide University recruit spent the 2018 NAB AFLW season on the GIANTS’ rookie list but didn’t take the field.
“I’ve had to give up a lot – like most of the girls have – moving out of home a month after turning 18, straight after taking my year 12 exams to a city where I knew no-one,” she said.
“It was pretty daunting but it’s nice to finally debut and get to say that it’s all been worth it.”
Equipped with a good footy brain and renowned for her clean disposals, Mackrill said her time at the GIANTS working alongside Alan McConnell has helped her come a long way as a footballer.
“He’s the best coach I’ve ever had,” Mackrill said.
“He knows his stuff and you’re never left in the dark with him and if you do have any questions you can put your hand up and he’ll answer it straight away.”
Meanwhile Renee Tomkins will make her AFLW return as one of four inclusions alongside Mackrill, Maddy Collier and Jodie Hicks.
Tomkins, who was delisted at the end of the 2018 season before being redrafted in November, is set to play her 12th game for the GIANTS.
Nicola Barr misses the clash after being handed a one match suspension by the Tribunal, while Haneen Zreika, Britt Perry and Phoebe Monahan have been omitted.
GIANTS v Carlton
Saturday, February 16 at 4:45pm (EDT)
Blacktown International Sportspark
FB: Ellie Brush, Renee Tomkins, Pepa Randall
HB: Amanda Farrugia, Louise Stephenson, Emma Swanson
C: Alivia Eva
HF: Rebecca Beeson, Jacinda Barclay, Yvonne Bonner
FF: Christina Bernardi, Cora Staunton, Tait Mackrill
RR: Erin McKinnon, Jess Dal Pos, Courtney Gum
Interchange: Maddy Collier, Tanya Hetherington, Alyce Parker, Jodie Hicks, Elle Bennetts
Emergencies: Phoebe Monahan, Haneen Zreika
In: Tait Mackrill (debut), Maddy Collier, Jodie Hicks, Renee Tomkins
Out: Nicola Barr (suspended), Phoebe Monahan (omitted), Britt Perry (omitted), Haneen Zreika (omitted)
The GIANTS host Carlton at Blacktown International Sportspark at 4.45pm on Saturday. Entry is free with the club also hosting a Fan Day at the venue from 3pm.
