GIPPSLAND Galaxy captain Sarah Jolly was selected by the Melbourne Demons in the inaugural AFL Women’s draft.
The dual premiership player, this season’s leading goalkicker, and Victorian division three best-and-fairest winner said she was excited to get started.
“It’ll be a much tougher competition, against the best in Australia,” she said.
“Me and dad sat on the couch and livestreamed (the draft) on my laptop, it started at one, and my name didn’t get called until the last round, at 4.30.
“It was a bit nerve-racking.”
Galaxy coach Nikki Schroeter described Jolly as an outstanding midfielder and on-baller.
“She’s very fit, she’s got quick transitions, and her knowledge of the game is excellent,” she said.
“She puts her body on the line every time, you can’t question her skills.”
Schroeter said she was over the moon, and not surprised at all.
Jolly has previously played games for Knox in the VWFL, which she said had helped her game, as well as a preseason at the Victorian Women’s Football Academy.
She joins first round pick Elise O’Dea from the Darebin Falcons, and marquee player Daisy Pearce.
On the Melbourne website, recruiting manager Anthony DeJong said Jolly was among a few other strong country players.
“We think she’ll play in the forward line and rotate through the middle as well,” he said.
“She brings some footy smarts to the game.”
Other Galaxy players who missed out on the draft, but will join the rookie list, include Kim Cunico and Nicole Garner. Longford’s Amy Harrison has also played exhibition matches for the Demons.
Former Sale City junior Heather Anderson was drafted by Adelaide from Belconnen, ACT, with pick 10.
