Jodie Pearson taking on the challenge of American football

JODIE Pearson agrees “petite” is a fair description of her 58kg, 170cm frame. So why would she risk a battering in the brutal sport of American football?

Blacktown gridiron player Jodie Pearson is hoping to be a member of Australia's first national female team.

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JODIE Pearson agrees “petite” is a fair description of her 58kg, 170cm frame. So why would she risk a battering in the brutal sport of American football?

Even she is at a loss to fully explain, though she admits she is an adrenaline junkie and the danger appeals to her.

“I was looking for something different. It was a toss-up between gridiron and roller derby,” said the 23-year-old Blacktown physiotherapist, who aims to be part of Australia’s first female gridiron team.

“The first hit is always a big shock,” said Jodie, a quarterback or wide receiver who is sometimes tackled by opponents twice her size.

Jodie said she was an adrenaline junkie and was up for the challenge.

“It’s a wake-up call. It gives you a rush of energy. In the first game I was shaking on the field.

“But you soon learn how to brace yourself. It’s almost fun.

“As long as you don’t lose the ball; that’s the main thing.”

Jodie, from a netball and football background, plays gridiron for UTS, one of four teams in a NSW league that is hoping to expand.

She is already a NSW rep player, and has been selected in a second trial camp next February for the national team, which hopes to play in the world titles next year.

She played in Sydney’s version of America’s controversial Lingerie League, before it fell through, even though she is opposed to the skimpy clothing required.

Jodie grew up playing netball and football.

“Some players don’t care what they have to wear — they just want to get on the field. I think it’s sad that you have to wear that clothing to get media, money and attention. But in the current league we are fully covered by padding, from shoulders down to hips, thighs and tailbone.

“Many women I play with are 30-year-old mums who definitely don’t want to be cavorting around with bare midriffs.”

Jodie admits women gridiron players are out of the ordinary.

“We thrive on the contact,” she said. “We’re a whole different breed.”