TARA Bohanna thought her chance of playing at the top level had passed.

The 27-year-old key forward had been wheeling away for the Southern Saints in the VFLW for years, being passed up in AFLW draft after AFLW draft.

She thought there was a chance in 2020 when St Kilda was admitted to the competition, but alas.

Bohanna was overlooked six times in all, but Gold Coast had a keen interest in the clever left-footer, adding her after Emma Pittman and Annise Bradfield were put on the inactive list.

Finally, her name had been called, and she's grabbed the opportunity in both hands with a vice-like grip.

The results have been remarkable, with the Victorian kicking 13 goals from nine games to be in the top-five goalkickers in the competition.

Throw in three tackles a game for good measure, and the Suns have found a diamond in the VFLW rough.

Speaking to womens.afl, Bohanna said she always had belief she was good enough, but wasn't sure whether the chance would present itself.

"I think I had a bit of hope in the first few years when I was putting my name in," she said.

"The Saints were probably the biggest chance I thought I had in 2020.

"When that didn't happen I just had to change my mindset a little bit, just focus on having a good time and enjoying it again.

"I was probably putting a fair bit of pressure on myself to perform, and it just didn't result in anything great."

With a new attitude, her skills shone, kicking 19 goals from 16 games last season to capture the Suns' attention.

"I felt like I could match it, or at least compete with the girls that have been forwards with me that I've watched or played against at VFLW level," she said.

"I haven't been too reserved or nervous about it.

"I had to be confident in what I could do.

"I have a decent kick, can mark, and if I have good support like I do in the team, I think it brings out the best in you.

"I think Joycey (coach Cameron Joyce) having confidence in you, the line coaches as well, and the support staff having confidence in you to do your thing has made it a lot easier."

Bohanna said having the experience of playing against AFLW talent before she came into the competition had been a big advantage.

She said with the competition expanding by four teams next season, clubs would be silly not to consider recruiting mature-age talent.

"Obviously you're going to draft 18-year-olds that have played since they were 10, but I think there are also mature-agers out there that can give you what you need," Bohanna said.

"It's trusting and taking that leap to go for them and knowing they do have a level head.

"The VFLW, SANFLW and other competitions are not far below the AFLW.

"Charlie (Rowbottom) has probably played more years of football than I have, but I'm that bit older, and playing at VFL rather than NAB League has brought me along.

"It'll be really interesting with expansion to see how many mature-agers get picked up."

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