By Peter Douglas
A RETURN to women’s AFL football this year has paid the ultimate dividend for Mount Evelyn’s Lauren Tesoriero.
The hard-working forward, 29, was among many hopefuls around Australia to have their name read out during the inaugural AFL Women’s draft day on Wednesday, 12 October.
Collingwood selected Tesoriero with pick 107.
She will certainly not feel alone, as the competition looks to make its mark on Australian audiences, with nine of her East Devils teammates also entering the competition.
Among her teammates at Collingwood will be Healesville midfielder Sarah D’Arcy, 25, who the club selected with pick 22.
East Devils president Jo Wotton expected her talented friend would feel right at home in an elite environment, particularly when it comes to on-field contact.
“Lauren was a little before her time, she took a break from the game because she felt it wasn’t accommodating to her style of play, which is a love of contact,” she said.
“She played netball but returned just one year ago and has been a standout for the club.
“Lauren is a bullocking-type forward who can spend time through the middle.”
Ms Wotton said it was fantastic to see so much hype around the upcoming women’s competition, which will debut at AFL level next year after a series of exhibition games.
“As a club, we’ve seen a spike in players and those wanting to be involved with the sport,” she said.
“The competition will only help to reduce the stigma that you don’t have to be a ‘masculine’ female to play the sport.
“You can still be athletic and play football, then put on a dress at the end of the day.”
Meanwhile, Collingwood recruiter Wayne Siekman said on the club website they were delighted to select Lauren in the second half of the draft.
“She is a player that will not only help our club, but also our team,” he said.
“She is a strong-bodied midfielder that wins the contested football and uses the ball well.
“She has got great self-awareness of her game, and this is something that has proven to us that she has the work ethic to become a quality AFL player.”
Tesoriero will likely help form a formidable forward line for the Magpies, along with marquee signing and exceptional goalkicker, Moana Hope, and D’Arcy spending time in attack.
D’Arcy, a former Healesville High School student, is a highly touted tall forward who had been on recruiters’ radars for some time.
Her drafting represented years of hard work, she said after her selection.
“It’s just unbelievable, I can’t believe it’s finally happened,” she said.
“I’ve had great support from friends, teammates and my work place (Australian Traffic Control) and I can’t wait to meet my new teammates.”
Although, she said, her Richmond-fanatic father, Brian, would have difficulty in watching her play in black and white stripes.
The pair is set to start training at the club on 21 November.
