What can we expect on field from our women's marquee players in 2017? We asked Ellie Blackburn and Katie Brennan to share their insights into one another as players, after lining-up on opposing teams in recent years in both the VFL Women's Competition and also the AFL Women's Exhibitions Match Series.
Katie on Ellie: ‘She’s unbelievable’
In Ellie Blackburn, the Western Bulldogs have recruited one of the top-three midfielders in the country according to her new teammate, Katie Brennan.
Blackburn averaged 20 possessions per match during the recent AFL Women’s Exhibition Series, but the 21-year-old is far more than just a ball magnet if you ask Brennan.
Speaking to westernbulldogs.com.au, she marvelled at Blackburn’s all-round game.
PLAYER PROFILE: View Ellie Blackburn's full player profile on westernbulldogs.com.au
“She’s unbelievable,” she said
“The way that she steps, the way that she gets through traffic the way that she takes off from a standing start she’s a speed machine.
“She can tackle really well, she’s hard at the footy, she’s got very silky skills, [and] she’s a very exciting player.
“I’m stoked to have her on board at the Doggies and I’m looking forward to working with her next year.”
And Brennan could barely contain her excitement when asked about the prospect of Blackburn streaming out of the middle of the ground and hitting her lace out.
“The delivery! How good is that going to be?
“She’s in and under, she’s a little bit outside as well, so she’ll get in and get the footy and then she’ll be the one delivering it to you in the forward line.”
Ellie on Katie: ‘I’m lucky to be on her side’
There’s a certain X-Factor to Katie Brennan’s game according to her newest teammate, Ellie Blackburn.
As someone who plays predominantly as a forward, Brennan naturally doesn’t get her hands on the ball as often as Blackburn, but when she does, she makes them count.
PLAYER PROFILE: View Katie Brennan's full player profile on westernbulldogs.com.au
“She’s one of those girls who if she doesn’t get much of the footy on a particular day, every touch she gets influences the game,” Blackburn told westernbulldogs.com.au
“She’s a very important player in any team she plays in, so I’m lucky I’m going to be on her side.”
But it’s more than just what Brennan does on the field that is important according to Blackburn, it’s her drive and will to succeed that she expects to rub off on the rest of the team.
“She’s very professional in her processes.
“She wants to improve herself and improve the people around her and she really embraces that club culture.”
“Her attitude towards football and life in general will be really positive on myself and our other teammates.”
