When Hannah Scott runs out onto the MCG to represent the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, she’ll be fulfilling a lifelong dream to play Australian Rules football at the highest possible level.
Scott, who hails from bayside Melbourne says that football has been in her veins since she made her first competitive appearance as an eight year-old.
“I first started playing for the Carrum Lions, with the boys under 9s side.
“I loved running out and showing them all that a girl was just as good, if not better than the boys.”
While her junior football career was short-lived, and after switching focus to basketball through her teens, Scott retuned to football as an 18-year-old as has gradually worked her way through the women’s ranks.
Starting at Victorian Women’s Football League club Parkdale Vultures, Scott made the shift to the Hallam Hawks before settling at current club Eastern Devils in the VWFL Premier Division.
Scott, who works in sales and manufacturing, has been able to achieve that dream after the Western Bulldogs called her name out at number 25 in last month’s AFL women’s draft.
“It was a very overwhelming feeling when I heard my name called out, it has been my dream to play AFL since I can remember and being drafted by the Dogs has made it a reality.
“I am so thankful and just want to do my best to repay them for the belief they have shown in me.”
Scott’s success hasn’t come without its setbacks however, after an injury riddled 2014.
“It was a tough season for me, I cracked some ribs against Diamond Creek and was out for a couple of weeks and then in my first game back I broke my leg.
“I’m such a terrible patient as I really struggle when I can’t be out there with my mates, but at the same time that is what drives me to get back out there stronger than before.”
The midfielder has overcome both physical and mental battles to reach the pinnacle of the sport, initially questioning her ability to mix it at the elite level.
“It was at the Victorian squad academy training that I experienced doubt creeping in.
“I just didn’t think I was well developed enough but I desperately wanted to grow as a footy player, so I was butting heads with no one but myself.”
After initial doubts, Scott will now get the opportunity to play alongside some of the best talent in the country on Sunday afternoon.
“(After) so many years spent wishing I could run out onto the MCG and play a game of football and now I actually get to.
“To say my brother is jealous would be a bit of an understatement.”
