Shae Audley has had an incredible journey to the NAB AFL Women’s competition.
Recruited to the Blues from Diamond Creek via pick 46, the 28-year-old started playing footy with her male schoolmates during lunch breaks at Hurstbridge Primary School.
That led to her playing three seasons with the boys at Hurstbridge Football Club before reaching the cut-off age for female footballers, but such was her impact in that time that the club saw fit to name a trophy after her.
“The trophy is called the Shae Audley Perpetual Trophy - it was for girls whose only option was to play with the boys,” Audley said.
“This was before junior girls, and the club wanted to recognise that I did play and that I won a few awards. I won most courageous and came third in the best and fairest, so I guess they wanted to recognise girls who had also been most courageous and the best.”
Being told she couldn't play anymore didn't deter Audley, who continued on at the club as the under-15s runner for three seasons. She also still goes down to Hurtsbridge every Saturday to support her junior boys teammates who now play in the seniors team.
Audley’s competitive nature and love of the game pushed her to go into the Women’s League.
At 18, she joined Diamond Creek Women’s Football Club before representing Victoria and the Western Bulldogs in an exhibition game last year.
“I love the physicality of football, and because I was recognised when I was younger for doing the things the boys were doing, I didn't see why I should stop there,” she said.
“I absolutely love the physicality of the game and the fact that anyone can play it.”
Shae Audley in action on the track. (Photo: Carlton Media)
Audley is also a Grade 1 teacher at Laurimer Primary School. On draft day the selection was streamed in the classroom and her students were luckily enough to share in her experience of being drafted to Carlton.
When asked at the end of 2016 to nominate their favourite moment of the year, at least 70 per cent of her students chose ‘Ms. Audley’ getting drafted to Carlton.
“It was so surreal, it was just the best feeling ever,” she said about being drafted.
“It felt like all the fighting to keep playing was worth it in the end and that it has all paid off.”
Audley is a fierce midfielder that many describe as someone you love to play with, but despise to play against. She will definitely have an impact in the midfield this season for the Bluebaggers.
“I feel ready and I feel we’re ready as a team,” she said.
“I really think we’ve worked hard and we get to put all the learning we’ve done into play and that’s where the excitement comes in. We’re definitely ready.”
Carlton hosts Collingwood at Ikon Park on Friday night in the inaugural AFLW season opener. Entry is free, with the bounce at 7:45pm.
