Ella laces up to fulfil her footy dream

Ella Smith’s journey towards her dream of playing in the AFL Women’s competition has taken another step after she was selected to represent WA at the upcoming AFL U18 Youth Girls National Championships.

The 16-year-old plays for South Fremantle’s women’s colts side and found out three weeks ago that she would head to Queensland in July as part of the second tour of the year for the WA side, where they will play three games in five days.

Ella will play as a small forward and is one of the youngest members of the 35-player squad.

“I play a little bit in the midfield, but have been working in the forward line a bit,” she said.

“After the carnival I should be able to get a few league games up there.”

Ella has been playing football for just four years, but has been kicking the ball for most of her life in the backyard.

“I have been kicking the ball around with my two older brothers and my dad,” she said.

“I probably wouldn’t have got this far without them.

“I am lucky and grateful for the opportunity.”

Ella said the AFL women’s competition had opened up more avenues.

“It is a big opportunity for us girls,” she said.

She said Carlton forward Darcy Vescio was her favourite player and hoped to replicate her success.