Darcy Vescio witnessed the emotion of her teammates being drafted at the inaugural AFL Women’s Draft in 2013 but last night at Etihad Stadium it was her turn.
Drafted to the Western Bulldogs with their second pick (no. three overall), Vescio joined eight of her fellow Darebin Falcons at the kennel ahead of next months’ clash.
“I came to the draft last year and it was just such an emotional journey with all the other girls,” Vescio said.
“I wasn’t picked up last year, so this year was really special and I wasn’t expecting to go that early so it made it extra exciting.”
With just 20 VWFL games under her belt, Vescio is still relatively green in regards to experience but has already impressed onlookers at both ends of the ground.
Women’s coach Peta Searle said the Bulldogs approach to the draft was finding an even mix of talent and balance in the team.
The Bulldogs retained 13 players from last year’s inaugural clash and had 12 live picks in last night’s draft to round out the playing list.
“We looked at… the talent, and getting the most talented people but we also looked at the gaps we needed to fill,” Searle said.
“You’ve got to create that balance and make sure that you get the best team overall that you can possibly get.”
Building on the success of last year’s exhibition match, Bulldogs Chief Executive Simon Garlick said he was excited the Club could again be involved in promoting the growth in women’s football.
“To be involved in what is a landmark game… I think just wet the appetite, not only for our Club but the competition as a whole,” Garlick said.
“Women’s Football in Victoria and nationally is really growing and anyone who saw last year’s game really saw a high quality, high standard, physical game of footy.
“It’s really opened a lot of people’s eyes, including myself, and a lot of people around the footy club.
“To have another opportunity, we’re really excited as a Club and we think it’ll be another showcase event.
The Bulldogs will tee off against Melbourne’s women’s team in a curtain raiser on Sunday 29 June 2014 in what is anticipated to be a highly competitive and physical match.
