Peel Thunderbirds wunderkind Sabreena Duffy will be looking to shake the surreal feeling of being drafted to an AFL Women’s program when she starts her pre-season with the Fremantle Dockers in two weeks.
The gun midfielder was selected by the Dockers with pick 17 in last week’s AFL Women’s Draft, securing her a spot at the club she’s been a member with for more than 15 years.
It’s a feeling the 18-year-old star will never forget, but also one she’s looking to put behind her with her first official pre-season training sessions with the group set to kick off in a fortnight.
“It’s still surreal, and it still hasn’t really sunk in,” Duffy said.
“But I’m hoping when pre-season rolls around and we’re all on the training track the nerves will sort of settle a little bit.
“Honestly I just can’t wait to get into it.
“I’m really excited to just be a part of the club and I want to do all I can to help us achieve some success.”
The young gun joins the side after a stunning six seasons with the Peel Thunderbirds in the WA Women’s Football League (WAWFL), where she made her mark as one of the country’s best up-and-coming talents.
In that time she notched several appearances representing WA at national tournaments, including a 2018 campaign that saw her captain the state’s under 18s side and selected as an all-Australian at half-back.
Duffy took out the WAWFL’s rising star award as a 17-year-old last season and only impressed further in 2018 when she finished in the top 10 for the league’s best and fairest.
She’s been able to master her craft under some elite mentors at Peel, and signaled the likes of current GWS Giants star Emma Swanson and now fellow Docker Tayla Bresland as two of the main influences on her footy.
“Emma was at Peel when I first got there and she helped me so much on and off the field,” Duffy said.
“There’s so many people at the club that have been huge for my footy – I can’t thank Peel enough and hopefully I can do them proud in the AFLW.”
Highlighting Duffy’s game is her versatility, with the rising star able to play most positions on the field.
It’s a talent she’s hoping will pave her way at the top level.
“I’ve played most positions before so wherever the team needs me is where I’ll play,” she said.
“Any role would be great – right now I’m just excited to be on the team.”
Fremantle’s AFL Women’s season kicks off with a trip to Victoria to take on Melbourne on Sunday, February 3.