High-decibel celebrations echoed through the loungeroom of Josephine Bamford on 15 December last year when the young footballer was drafted by the Magpies to the ALFW.
“The moment Josie found out! Pick #29 of the 2025 AFLW National Draft to the Collingwood Football Club!” read the caption of the high octane moment shared by the senior division of the Ferntree Gully Eagles Football & Netball Club.
“Ruck and roll, Welcome to Collingwood, Josephine Bamford!” read Collingwood’s ALFW social media.
“The Eastern Ranges Ruck joins our Club with Pick 29 after a huge 2025 that saw her selected in both the All-Australian Team and Talent League Team of the Year.”
AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan had listed Josie amongst his top 30 prospects for the 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft, including ten teen footballers from Victoria earlier in December, along with Wantirna South midfielder Tayla McMillan who was selected with pick number 34 and will don the blue jersey for Carlton, achieving a childhood dream.
Bamford will bring her height, speed, overhead marking and mobility into the New Year, with Sheehan comparing her to players like Matilda Scholz from Port Adelaide.
“A ruck/forward who is extremely mobile and very competitive by nature, Bamford is also a decisive decision-maker who uses the ball effectively,” he wrote.
Bamford’s football journey began in Bayswater in 2017, according to profiles shared on Rookie ME Central. She began playing with the Ferntree Gully Eagles in the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) in 2021.
Among six selected by the Pies, Bamford played with the Eastern Rangers, averaging 15.5 disposals, 23 hit outs and totalled 10 goals.
She was also in the 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships All-Australian Team and the Talent League Team of the Year.
Executive General Manager of Women’s Football Jess Burger said in a press release on 15 December that the Club was thrilled to welcome the recruits to Collingwood.
“On behalf of everyone at Collingwood, I want to warmly welcome our six new additions to the black and white family and congratulate them on their draft selection,” Burger said.
“We welcome local products Amy and Josephine. Amy displays silky skills and impressive footy IQ, offering outstanding drive off the halfback and wing. Key utility Josephine, who stands at 182cm, competes all over the ground with her follow-up as her signature feature,” she said.
“Imogen, Mischa, Josephine and Zara have all impressed throughout their seasons, seeing them be recognised at the league level as All-Australians. They will be exciting additions to our program.
“Each of these players will add immensely to our program and we’re looking forward to seeing them grow and make their mark.”
Local school Mater Christie also celebrated the young draftee.
“Huge congratulations to Josie!,” read their social media.
“We are absolutely thrilled to congratulate Josie (Class of 2025) on being drafted to the Collingwood AFLW team as Pick 29 – an outstanding achievement and a true reflection of her talent, determination and commitment to the game.”
“A milestone moment for our community and an inspiration to current and future students.”
Freshly graduated, with the sky the limit, the community has rejoiced in her news.
