Emily Goodsir shocked at GWS Giants opportunity in AFLW
A few months ago she was playing club footy. Now this sport lover has been picked up to play for one of NSW’s top sporting clubs.
Manly
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A few months ago she was playing club football with a bunch of mates and loving every minute of it.
Now Emily Goodsir is pulling on the training kit of one of Australia’s leading sports clubs.
Goodsir is one of nine players drafted by the Giants for season three of the AFLW who start pre-season training at Sydney Olympic Park this week..
But she’s neither a rising star or a teen tyro - she’s a 27-year-old full-time worker who only started playing AFL with the Hills club, the East Coast Eagles, three years ago.
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A tough, strong attacking player who will add significant depth to the Giants midfield, Goodsir admits she is still shocked at her selection.
“It is all so crazy. But it is just so exciting,” said Goodsir, born and bred at Castle Hill but now living at Newport with her boyfriend.
“I didn’t have any expectations so I’m really quite surprised.
“I’ve been part of the VFL, playing alongside half of the girls, so I got a bit of a taste of what it will be like.
“But I have to keep pinching myself and saying, ‘is this really happening’.”
Goodsir, a personal trainer who travels from the northern beaches daily for her work in the Hills district before heading to the inner west for training, is thrilled her age has not been a disadvantage.
“I’m 27, a bit older. I was thinking I was getting too old but people kept telling me I could still do it,” she said.
“Hopefully I can play for a long time.
“I’m new to the experience. I didn’t even know someone my age could even have a change.
“It’s great to know they don’t think age is a factor. It’s your ability that matters.”
Goodsir said growing up she always wanted to do a sport at an elite level, but didn’t know which one.
“Even when I was younger I wanted to do sport at a high level and here I am doing it at 27,” she said.
“It shows age isn’t a barrier if you have the passion hand drive.”
Goodsir only started playing with the Eagles three years ago when a friend introduced her to the club.
“I played touch footy before and netball, sport all my life really but I only made the transition across quite recently,’’ she said.
“I’m pretty good now, I know what is going on. But it did take me a while to pick up the rules,’’ she said.
“If I needed to be on a mark I’ll just run away. Or I would run in front of someone and they’d get a free kick. But I’ve picked it up now.’’