MIDFIELDER Jasmine Anderson has created history as the first mother to sign up for next season's AFL women's league.
Anderson officially joined Adelaide on Monday as a rookie.
The 25-year-old will be the third member of the family to play in the AFL – brother Jed is preparing for the finals series with North Melbourne and Joe, who played with Carlton, is currently with SANFL club North Adelaide.
"I've spoken to Joe, but Jed is training for finals and I'll probably speak to him tonight (Monday). They are supportive and excited for me," she said.
A babysitter for her 15-month-old son Isaac, obviously, will be a necessity at training and on game day, and that back-up is already in place.
"My Mum has already put her hand up, so it's good I've got that support. She's amazing and (Isaac) loves spending time with her when I'm training, so it's win-win," the Darwin university student said.
A talented sportswoman, Anderson played midfield for Hellenic Soccer Club in the Northern Territory for the past three seasons (and also represented Northern Territory), until she made the snap decision to nominate the day before an AFL national female talent search program in Darwin in July.
"My Mum influenced me to do it. She told me to just have a go. And that's how I ended up with the Crows," she said.
Adelaide women's coach Bec Goddard said Anderson performed strongly in the physical testing, as well as catching the eyes of selectors in the skills session.
"Jasmine's endurance, agility and speed were on show at the talent search and we feel she will bring a lot to the Crows," Goddard said.
Anderson played in the midfield for the Darwin Buffaloes in the 2013-14 NTFL season before switching to soccer.
"I enjoy playing that role. Being a midfielder in soccer, you're always running down to help out in defence and then back up to the forward line to kick goals. It's pretty much the same in footy – you've got to be defensive and attack as well," she said.
With players from the Northern Territory aligned to Adelaide for the inaugural AFL women's competition, Crows assistant coach Andrew Hodges will prepare Anderson and other local players in Darwin.
"We'll do all the hard work up here and do some training camps with the girls as well. I've already started training with the other girls who are getting ready for the draft camp," she said.
Although Isaac is far too young to appreciate the significance of his Mum's achievement, he's already showing promise as the family's next generation football ace.
"He kicks the ball around. Over any of his other toys, the ball is first choice," Anderson said.
Jasmine Anderson and son Isaac. Picture: AFLNT.com.au
