Taylah Davies happy with AFLW switch within Giants

Swapping a netball for a Sherrin was a bolt from the blue for Taylah Davies but she is thrilled the change of sport has not taken her away from ‘family’.

Taylah Davies (right) has made the switch to AFLW from elite netball.

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Swapping a netball for a Sherrin was a bolt from the blue for Taylah Davies but she is thrilled that the change of sport has not taken her away from the ‘family’ she loves.

As the Giants AFLW side prepare for their first home game of the campaign on Friday night, 24-year-old Taylah Davies is determined to grasp the unexpected opportunity that has presented itself.

Disappointment at missing out on a spot in the Giants netball squad for 2019 has quickly given way to excitement as a new challenge beckons.

Giants recruits Evonne Bonner (left) nad Taylah Davies.

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“It wasn’t in my plan or my vision I guess (the switch to AFL),” the former Giants (and Swifts) netballer told The Daily Telegraph.

“Last year I was a training partner with Giants netball. I found out unfortunately I wasn’t offered anything for this year but on the flip side (head coach) Julie Fitzgerald asked me if I’d be interested in chatting with Alan (Giants AFLW coach Alan McConnell) and possibly thinking about transitioning into AFL.

“It was very random and I was thinking ‘I hope he knows I’ve never really kicked a football around before’ but I was so excited, ending up meeting him for a kick, really enjoyed it, had a really good honest chat with Alan about the possibility of playing.

Davies in action for Giants Netball. Pic: Mark Evans

“I just kept thinking ‘why not, why not give this great opportunity everything I have.”

‘Everything’ includes speed to burn with the Giants recognising how vital a weapon it can be.

“When I first spoke to Alan, he said you’ve got some great speed and that’s what we’re looking at introducing into our team, whether on the wing or in the forward line,” Davies said. “I’ve had a go in both those positions, and played in the forward line in our trial game (against Brisbane). It was really exciting.

“I did athletics for a while, cross country and then netball of course and I think those sports have helped my transition into football.

Davies (second from left) has stayed in the Giants ‘family’. Pic: Tim Hunter.

“I find the defensive structures a bit familiar to netball. And with netball I’ve been catching and throwing since I was eight years old. Having that spacial awareness I think has helped a lot.

“When I found out I may not be given another netball opportunity, it was gutting to think I wouldn’t be part of this whole Giants family,” she said. “So to be still part of this club, this family is amazing.

Davies hails the whole inclusive feel of the club. There’s no ‘us and them’ here.

“Sometimes, a few of the men stay behind after their training session,” she said. “Heath Shaw and Brett Deledio come and help us and they don’t have to do that. I think that’s really cool and what sets this club apart from others.”

Originally published as Taylah Davies happy with AFLW switch within Giants