DARIA Bannister had played just one year of football before being selected as a top-age NAB AFL Women's Academy member.
The Tasmanian, who has nominated for the Victorian section of this year's NAB AFL Women's Draft, only started playing footy for Launceston last year after a few school games sparked her interest.
"I went along to the club to give it a go, started training and I've liked it since," Bannister said.
"I had been playing netball for the past five years, but it was a pretty smooth transition between the two sports.
"From there, it's taken off. I've played state, seniors [with Launceston] and for the Allies [a composite team in the under-18 national championships] as well."
The 18-year-old was not only inexperienced, she didn't know any of the other players in the Academy squad, as she was the only Tasmanian invited.
"I didn't just learn [about football]. I learned about the football journeys of the girls from other states as well.
"At the time, I was very new to the game. I had only played my first year and was hearing about their experiences."
Bannister primarily plays up forward but is capable of swinging into the midfield. Not overly tall, she is strong-bodied and capable of bursting through packs.
She has an excellent sidestep in tight situations, developed over years of dodging defenders on a small netball court, as well as good goal sense.
Asked to describe herself as a player, Bannister used the term “courageous”.
"I'm not afraid to get in and get the ball. I'm not afraid to go back with the flight. I find my attack on the ball is one of my strengths, as are my clean hands.
"I need to work on my skill execution and being confident to take the game on a bit more. I feel because it's just my second year, I'm still developing my game. I just need to be a bit more confident."
Allies coach Bec Goddard said there's only improvement ahead for the inexperienced Bannister.
"You'd expect her to get picked up by one of the Victorian clubs," Goddard said.
"We played her up forward early in the week [at the national championships], but she did her most powerful work in the midfield.
Keen to get drafted, Bannister has chosen her year 12 subjects at Launceston College with one eye on improving her football.
"I've been studying a bit of nutrition and sports science, so I might end up going along the personal trainer lines after high school,” she said.
"I do a lot of sport in school as well, so that helps my physical fitness as well."
Bannister played 10 games for Launceston in Tasmanian State League Women's this season, and was named in the best five times, impressive for an 18-year-old playing seniors.
Earlier this year, she had the opportunity to train with the Western Bulldogs.
"I'm pretty close with some of those girls. Another Tassie girl, Ellyse Gamble, plays for Bulldogs, so she took me under her wing and introduced me to everyone. The girls were lovely and welcoming."
With the Bulldogs losing Jaimee Lambert to Collingwood during the trade period, Bannister could be a ready-made replacement, as a hard-bodied midfielder who can score.
"What's most exciting about Daria is she is already playing the way she is with so little footy behind her. She's got a stronger core than most her age and she just doesn't go to ground," Goddard said.
The NAB AFL Women's Draft will be held in Melbourne on October 18, with a live stream on AFL.com.au/womens from 12pm.