For GIANTS Jess Bibby and Ellie Brush, their AFL Women’s rookie spots mean more than just a chance to play Football at the highest level.
The two have been selected by the GIANTS as their rookies for the 2017 NAB AFL Women’s season after impressing coach Tim Schmidt in National Talent searches in Sydney and Canberra.
For 37-year-old Bibby there’s a sense of destiny finally being fulfilled, while for the younger Brush it’s a chance for her to refresh after years of playing soccer.
“Football was probably my number one sport growing up and I played a little bit in primary school,” Bibby said.
“My grandfather was president of Fitzroy and there’s a big family history of Aussie rules, so I’ve certainly had a ball in my hand for a big period of time.
“You’ll hear a similar storyline that there wasn’t the pathway there for girls and basketball was another sport that was a passion of mine.
“I’ve been a little busy over the last 20 years playing basketball but I’m really excited for the challenge.”
Bibby represented the Australian national team and is the WNBL games record holder with an outstanding 394 games between 1996 and 2016.
Despite a distinguished career, Bibby said she wasn’t ready to retire.
“Finishing up with the Canberra Capitals in the WNBL at the beginning of this year I, sort of in the back of my mind, knew I wanted to give this football thing a red hot go,” she said.
“I’m just feeling really privileged and thankful that the GIANTS are giving me an opportunity that’s way too good to refuse and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Brush’s former sport also involved the round ball, but unlike Bibby was encouraged to use her feet and definitely not touch it with her hands.
“I played for Canberra United in the W-League for the last nine years,” Brush said.
“I’ve played over in Germany and the last few years I’ve spent the off-season of the W-League in America playing for the Huston Dash.”
The 28-year-old from Canberra also appeared twice for the Matildas as a defender but believes her immediate future is playing in the AFL Women’s competition.
“Maybe I’ll get back in the Australian soccer team but at the moment I’m concentrating on footy,” she said.
“I only really played football as a junior but I’ve always had a footy around, so I’ve even kicked the ball at soccer training.
“I’m really pumped to be wearing the orange of the GIANTS.”
