ISSY A STAR ON THE RISE
By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
Issy Grant only started played footy in 2016, fast forward two years and the talented player for Spotswood is a star on the rise.
The daughter of Western Bulldogs legend Chris Grant, Issy is making a name for herself after starring for Vic Metro at the recent NAB AFL Under 18 National Championships and earning All Australian selection.
“It was a massive honour to have the opportunity to pull on the Big V. The girls in the team were all great people and that made the experience so much better,” she said.
Grant said the Championships was a big step up from what she is used to playing at Spotswood and even the Western Jets in the TAC Cup Competition.
“The girls were stronger, faster, more skilful and had greater awareness of the game,” she said.
“This meant I needed to increase the speed of my decisions and adjust quickly. Throughout the championships we all improved on this and developed as the games went on.”
Vic Metro won all but one of their Championship matches, with Grant selected in the All Australian squad. The 16-year-old said she was surprised by the recognition.
“There is so much great talent throughout Australia and the level of the game is constantly improving. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it and develop as both a footballer and person,” Grant said.
Grant was part of the WRFL Interleague team in 2016 and was part of Spotswood’s premiership victory. That year she also claimed the Under 15 Girls Best and Fairest award.
“It’s so exciting seeing new clubs bring in women’s teams and being successful,” she said.
“Our coaches love the fact that we love our footy and I think that passion is a massive highlight of the WRFL.
“In the two seasons we have had a team, Spotswood has made the Grand Final. That’s probably a reflection of the bond we all have within the group which has made me love footy even more.”
Grant is now playing in the Werribee Football Club Under 18 competition with Spotswood, who is currently sitting on top of the ladder.
She said her goal for the remainder of the year was to improve her football skills and fitness.
Grant said she hoped that she will one day get drafted to an AFL team, saying playing in the elite competition would be a dream come true.
“The way that AFLW is expanding and the amount of people in Australia who support women in sport is so exciting. It’s giving women an opportunity to play a game that they love,” she said.