Ella Wood’s high expectations fired her progression from the GWV Rebels all the way to the VFLW Grand Final with the Western Bulldogs, but they also mean she has unfinished business.
18-year-old Wood’s 2019 season finished with an appearance in the Bulldogs’ 37-point loss to Collingwood in the Swisse Wellness VFL Women’s decider – just her seventh match at senior level.
The Ararat (AFL Goldfields Women’s FL) junior couldn’t have hoped for a bigger stage on which to present her case to clubs for selection in October 22’s NAB AFL Women’s Draft, but she isn’t taking her rise to prominence for granted.
A tough standard-setter, Wood looks back on her NAB League Girls campaign with the Rebels, the 2019 NAB AFLW Under-18 Championships with Vic Country and her stint in the VFLW as a template for improvement.
“I’m feeling quite proud of what I’ve achieved, but I feel like I could have put a lot more forward this year,” Wood said at the recent NAB AFLW Draft Combine, where she recorded the equal-fifth-best time overall in the 2km time trial.
“I feel like I don’t have much of an impact on the game sometimes, unless it’s a one-percenter like laying a tackle or making a block.
“Coaches do like the one-percenters, and I’ve had a few coaches tell me I do well behind the ball but that it’s just about getting my hands on it. I just don’t get my hands on the ball enough and I think that’s something I need to improve on.”
Wood averaged 14 disposals per game across her eight NAB League Girls matches for the Rebels, shifting from her usual midfield position into defence for the first time.
Later in 2019, Wood averaged seven touches and four tackles per game in the VFLW, with the Magpies testing her development as a defender during their bombardment of the Bulldogs’ back line in the season finale.
“It was my first time playing in the back line this year and it was good to learn some different things,” Wood said.
“As a midfielder, you don’t really know what the back-liners actually do and all the hard work they put in. Playing that role showed me how hard it is with the pressure of being in the back line.
“A lot of the time you just have to grab the ball and get it out of there, but having someone kick a goal on you and feeling responsible for that is hard.”
Wood’s adjustment to her new role was accelerated by several AFLW-listed Bulldogs stars – who may also have helped temper those high expectations she has of herself.
“The vibe around the Bulldogs was amazing,” Wood said. “It really encouraged me to put my best foot forward.
“AFLW girls such as Ellie Blackburn, Deanna Berry and Bonnie Toogood were very knowledgeable about the game, and there were a few that I was lucky enough to play with, like Lauren Spark. Having her in the back line during games to teach me while playing helped a lot.
“I often put myself down or blame things on myself, but the positivity those AFLW girls have is something I want to be able to bring to a club as well.”
NAB LEAGUE ‘FAST FIVE’ QUESTIONS
Most influential person on your football at GWV:
“My midfield coach, ‘JJ’. He loved having me in the midfield and I loved being there as well. He’s very knowledgeable about the game, so the things he taught me were very beneficial for me.”
Most valuable lesson learned in the NAB League:
“Just to be yourself and put everything you have forward, because you only get these opportunities once. You have to feel lucky and grateful, because not many people get this kind of experience.”
Teammate you’ve most enjoyed sharing the NAB League journey with:
“Sophie Molan, because I’ve been with her pretty much the whole way through the Rebels program. We also went through to Vic Country and then the Bulldogs together this year. I’ve enjoyed her company a lot.”
Most difficult NAB League opponent:
“Definitely Georgia Patrikios (Calder Cannons). She was extremely dominant through the midfield and in the forward line against us this year.”
Most memorable NAB League moment:
“The friendships and the bond we had with all the staff and coaches. I’m a people person, so I always take those memories with me. Just being part of the vibe around the club was unreal.”
