Maeve Chaplin hopes impressive body of work helps her live AFLW dream
It’s a stressful time for 18-year-olds across Australia as Year 12 exams loom but it’s actually helping Northern Knights young gun Maeve Chaplin keep relatively calm as she waits to learn her fate at the AFLW Draft.
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Maeve Chaplin isn’t sure which is more stressful, waiting for Tuesday’s AFLW Draft or preparing for her General Achievement Test (GAT) the day after.
It will be a whirlwind week either way for the 18-year-old who hopes to fulfil her dream of reaching the elite level.
Chaplin has certainly done everything in her power to get picked up after two strong NAB League seasons with the Northern Knights.
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Having played her middle-age year across half-back she was thrust into the midfield this season and had an immediate impact with 16 disposals in the opening two games before injury struck in the third.
It would prove to be the final game of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m pretty nervous for it but I’m also excited, so mixed emotions,” Chaplin said.
“School has been the focus, especially with the draft the day before the GAT, it’s helping me not be too stressed.
“I got injured in the third game but the first two games I felt I was off to a good start.
“I feel pretty strong in myself and pretty confident that I was potentially going to achieve my goals.
“I also know it’s not just this year that gets your drafted, it’s all the work previous, so my last couple of years I’ve been working really hard to get to this moment.”
Chaplin started out playing against the boys at Preston Bullants before shifting to West Preston-Lakeside and ultimately making the Knights squad.
After winning the NAB League Girls premiership last year, the Our Lady of Mercy College student was named in the AFLW Academy at the start of the season and was a big chance to make the Vic Metro squad.
Missing some big experiences such as the national championships and draft combine has been understandably disappointing but Chaplin has been able to lean on former teammates and last season’s top-10 draft picks Gabby Newton and Nell Morris-Dalton.
“I’ve definitely been in contact with Nell and Gabby, they’ve been some good people to talk to for support,” Chaplin said.
“At the end of the day they’re my friends as well so you can take the footy out of it and be a good mentor and friend.
“It was a bit disappointing to miss out on that (combine) experience but I just took it for what it was.
“It was difficult running by myself, not having anyone to push me, but it wasn’t too bad and I’ve had a few interviews over the last couple of weeks, which has been good.
“Aside from staying fit and running I’ve been finding some new hobbies, like knitting and cooking.”
Originally published as Maeve Chaplin hopes impressive body of work helps her live AFLW dream