After a few years away from Australian Rules football, rookie Nat Exon became one of the first Carlton AFLW players when she joined the Club in late September.
Exon had spent her time out of football dominating on the soccer field for Box Hill in the Victorian Premier League and competing in middle distance running. Football, however, was her first love and so for Exon going along to the AFL’s talent search almost a year ago seemed like a logical step.
“AFL was the first sport I ever did as a kid, and now there’s a pathway (so) I wanted to get back into it,” Exon said.
“It was exciting to see the opportunities that are there now, so I thought I’d go along and see what happens, but I had forgotten how fun playing footy was. After one kick I was like “I want to play”.”
Nat Exon breaks away from Darcy Vescio at training. (Photo: Jonathan Di Maggio)
It helps that Exon comes from a footy-mad family. Her brother Ryan has played in the VFL for a number years, and she says he’s been providing her with some invaluable advice. Advice, she says, she’s getting despite a bit of sibling rivalry.
“He’s pretty proud of me I guess,” she said.
“If he comes and watches a game or we have a kick he’s always giving me little tips. I’ve been teasing him a bit because I’ve been drafted first but he’s been copping it pretty well.”
After rediscovering her love of footy at the talent search, Exon went to Darebin for her first season of AFL. She played a starring role in the club’s fourth consecutive premiership win in the VWFL.
It was a very successful re-introduction to footy for Exon and senior coach Damien Keeping says that her elite outside run and kicking abilities will strengthen the Blues this season. Exon’s ability to impact the game was shown at the weekend’s practice match against Melbourne where she kicked two late goals and was named in the best players on the day.
Exon says her focus this season is to continue to improve her game and to keep learning more about AFL. She’s also aiming to be selected to play a few games for the Blues this season, starting with the Round 1 clash against the Magpies at Ikon Park on February 3.
“We’re happy to play anyone anywhere, but it’s nice that we get to play our first ever game at home now,” Exon said about the move for the inaugural game.
“I think we’re lucky with this group. We keep saying it’s 27 strong but it actually is. I’m really lucky to be a part of Carlton.”
