Top draft prospect Jess Fitzgerald combines ball-winning ability with outside speed
Northern Knights young gun Jess Fitzgerald looms as a top AFLW Draft prospect and despite only playing three games this season has learnt plenty about keeping the flame burning in lockdown.
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Inside ball-winner with outside speed and a cheeky streak, Northern Knights midfielder Jess Fitzgerald is a young woman in demand.
It’s not hard to see why, having represented Vic Metro and won the NAB League Girls grand final best-on-ground medal as a 17-year-old in 2019.
The St Mary’s junior has had interviews with every Victorian club ahead of Tuesday’s AFL Women’s draft and is expected to be a first-round pick.
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With the under-18 season cancelled after just three games, Fitzgerald certainly saved her best for last.
In the win over Dandenong, the Knights’ co-captain collected 28 disposals, three marks, four tackles and two goals.
Despite the lockdown Fitzgerald hasn’t slowed down, combining her Year 12 studies with training and discovered a new hobby as well.
“I’m drowning in study, but it is good because it takes your mind off footy,” she said.
“It has been hard, obviously you’ve got to train by yourself and it can be hard to stay motivated.
“I’ve found ways … I’ve got some gym equipment and been in contact with my coaches and strength people from school and they’ve helped me through and given me programs to keep on top of it.
“I’ve got a pretty active family so I usually go down with my dad and brother and have a kick around.
“I’ve really got into reading, which is massive for me because I’ve always struggled and never enjoyed it. I’m going through a book a week.”
With the draft looming large on the horizon, Fitzgerald doesn’t have to look far for guidance.
Premiership teammate Gabby Newton was taken at No.1 last year by the Western Bulldogs and the two remain in regular contact.
The Collingwood fanatic is remaining calm ahead of the big day and is just as excited for her teammates.
“Gabby is one of my best mates so I chat to her almost every day,” Fitzgerald said.
“I don’t talk to her much about the whole process but I’ve observed what she’s done over the last year and found my own tips through watching her.
“I was lucky enough to get an interview with all the Victorian clubs, which was pretty exciting, and I think they got to see more of my personality.
“I’m pretty relaxed, I’m not thinking too much about it really, I’m just excited to see what the result is and where my mates go.
“I’ve thought about all the different possibilities but there’s no way of knowing (where I’ll end up).
“I’d definitely be happy anywhere but (being drafted by Collingwood) would be pretty cool.”
While the Magpies will have to wait No.19 for their first pick, Carlton has been touted as a possible new home for Fitzgerald at No.12 while the Bulldogs could consider reuniting Newton and Fitzgerald a pick earlier at No.11.
Originally published as Top draft prospect Jess Fitzgerald combines ball-winning ability with outside speed