Isabella Grant will join the Western Bulldogs as a father-daughter selection in the upcoming 2019 NAB AFLW Draft.

Grant, the daughter of Club Legend – and Director of Football – Chris, will become a Bulldog after the Club matched opposition bids prior to the draft.

The draft number used to select Grant will be confirmed at the draft on October 22, when she is formally selected. 

Grant said she was thrilled when Bulldogs’ list manager Mick Sandry broke the news to her.

“It was crazy, I did not know how to react,” she said.

“Mick (Sandry) gave me a call, and I was just sitting there doing my homework. 

“He rang up… (and said) I’d just like to inform you that you’re officially a Bulldog. I was just like, ‘oh my god’.

“It had been a long build up – I got to train with them a few times with the academy and then finding out that I could actually be a part of that culture and that team, it was amazing.” 

Grant’s football journey began four years ago, starting at the Spotswood Football Club in Melbourne’s western suburbs. From there, she progressed to the Western Jets and then represented Victoria Metro at the NAB AFLW Under-18 Championships in 2018 and 2019.

For Victoria Metro, Isabella has made her name as a key forward, earning a reputation as a player with strong marking ability and good forward craft. 

Chris, who played 341 AFL games for the Bulldogs during his decorated career, has been involved in Isabella’s football journey as a coach with Spotswood.

He said it was a proud moment for the Grant family with Isabella becoming a Bulldog. 

“Ever since she was very, very small, I’d probably say that her favourite sport was football, but there was just not a team locally that she felt comfortable playing with – it was all just boys teams at the time.

“I’ve enjoyed it as much as I’m sure Issy has, because it’s a great opportunity to have your children play the game that you love. 

“The last four years have been a steep learning curve for her, but she’s absolutely loved it, and whilst there is still a lot of work in front of her in regard to her football development, both Mel and I couldn’t be more proud of the way she has combined her football with all other aspects of her life.”

The Western Bulldogs will head to the 2019 NAB AFLW Draft with picks 1, 6, 8, 9, 47, 62 and 90.