Giant Kaitlyn Srhoj takes out week three AFLW Rising Star nomination ahead of her first Sydney Derby

A big week is about to get even bigger for Greater Western Sydney young gun Kaitlyn Srhoj after she received this week’s AFLW Rising Star nomination ahead of her first Sydney Derby.

A big week is about to get even bigger for Greater Western Sydney young gun Kaitlyn Srhoj.

The 19-year-old midfielder has been named this week’s AFLW Rising Star nominee after a breakout performance against Gold Coast, racking up a career-high 20 disposals in the draw.

And on Sunday, she’ll play in her first Sydney derby.

The rivalry between the Giants and Swans was ignited last year when Sydney coach Scott Gowans claimed that GWS were the “least-performing side” of the eight inaugural AFLW clubs. Having grown up in Western Australia as an Eagles fan, Srhoj is well aware of how heated cross-town rivalries can get.

“I had nothing to do with Sydney until coming to the Giants and from the second I got here, I’ve hated them,” Srhoj joked. “There’s a bit of fire there.

“Obviously it’s a derby which is exciting. Sydney are a good team. We played them in our practice matches. We didn’t show them everything we have up our sleeve.

Kaitlyn Srhoj. Picture: Getty Images

“The atmosphere around the club is that it’s doable. We can win if we execute our system.”

Srhoj, pick three in last year’s AFLW draft, has quickly become one of the Giants most-important players since making her debut in round one.

The 19-year-old came through the WA talent pathway and AFLW Academy as a winger due to her elite endurance. But she’s been injected straight into the midfield by coach Cameron Bernasconi.

After finishing with 14 and 10 disposals in her first two games, Srhoj had 20 touches against the Suns, 14 of which were contested, four clearances and six tackles.

“(Alyce Parker) was obviously being tagged so it left myself and (Bec Beeson) in a position to get our hands on the ball a bit more,” Srhoj said. “For me, I’ve had a good balance of inside, outside craft so I think what I’ve been able to learn on the wing really compliments being an inside midfielder.

“One of my up and coming strengths is being able to win those contested possessions so I’ve found it really natural and seamless.

Srhoj is preparing for her first Sydney Derby. Picture: Getty Images

“I’ve played wing my whole life but I love the idea of being able to win my own ball instead of waiting for it.

“I’ve learnt a lot off Parks in terms of contested ball but I also find myself idolising Beeso while also being her teammate. Even before coming to the club, she was one of my favourite players. I think the ability to work with her and learn from her is really exciting.”

Srhoj has already signed a three-year contract extension since arriving at GWS, committing to the club until the end of 2027. The Peel Thunder product was told about her Rising Star nomination by Bernasconi during her game review on Monday.

“It feels very special,” she said. “It is a reward in itself for the pre-season I’ve had.”

Originally published as Giant Kaitlyn Srhoj takes out week three AFLW Rising Star nomination ahead of her first Sydney Derby