‘A little strange’: AFLW star Libby Birch reveals her inner geek

It’s the unusual that makes Melbourne Demons AFLW star Libby Birch tick, and comfortable when’s she’s taking it easy away from footy.

AFLW star Libby Birch. Photos: Eugene Hyland

She’s a fierce competitor on the field with her beloved Melbourne FC team, but Libby Birch jokes she could have easily been a tradie. She even helped lay bricks to rebuild the family home following a devastating storm 10 years ago.

“Every room in the house collapsed and we had to build a new house from scratch. I was put to work,” she says.

“My parents actually flip houses and I will often go in and help out with some painting, getting rid of old tiles from the bathroom or demolishing a wall.”

With a no-nonsense attitude to hard work that has served her well in sport too, Libby credits her parents for keeping her in check.

AFLW's Libby Birch at home. Photo: Eugene Hyland

“Something that I have picked up from my parents is, ‘why get someone else to do something when you can do it yourself?’ It’s important to keep challenging yourself.”

Now playing in her seventh season of AFLW, Libby also recently graduated with a degree in physiotherapy. Unlike her male AFL counterparts who are paid handsomely, Libby took five years to complete her degree as she played competitively, studied hard and was casually employed to pay her way.

“Some women are working full time and then training from 4pm to 10pm. There’s a lot of demands on women in professional sport and we are pushing for full-time contracts to reflect our commitment and improve salaries,” she says

Libby Birch in action for the Melbourne Demons. Picture: Getty

AT HOME WITH AFLW STAR LIBBY BIRCH

Who: AFL Women’s player Libby Birch.

Where: Family home overlooking the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne that was designed and built by Libby’s parents.

Favourite thing: Cooper is my Groodle. He’s a little legend who makes me laugh every day.

Laugh machine Cooper.

Inspiration: Casual and comfortable with lots of natural light.

Home is: A place you feel connected to, your personal inner sanctum. A safe space to be yourself or with the people that mean the most to you.

LIBBY BIRCH’S FAVOURITE THINGS

Seinfeld DVD Box Set

I know every line in every episode off by heart, I am a self-professed, Seinfeld geek. I often flick on an episode during any spare time I have and I still laugh every time no matter how many times I’ve watched it. ‘These pretzels are making me thirsty.’

Another laugh machine.

Boob armour

When I pack my bag for a game of footy, this is the first item, along with my mouthguard, that I grab. It is the most important protective shield. I always wear these in my sports bra to ensure I am protected against injury and impact to the breasts.

Protective shield.

2018 AFLW Premiership Medal

A very proud team sporting achievement that I will never forget. It will go down as the most special day in my sporting career to date.

Winning!

Eggs

This is a little strange but I just love eggs. They are my favourite savoury food that I regularly cook up for breakfast, lunch and sometimes even dinner. They are a great source of protein and always number one on my shopping list.

Eggs: strange but true.

Candles

Candle love.

I love my candles. I rely on for relaxation and mindfulness. Whenever I’m working from home or having a bath I always flick one on and watch the flame and smell the perfume.

Desk

I love my desk in my room. It’s where I get all my work done from home. It’s a really spacious space with natural light from my bedroom windows. Although it’s really messy at times, it is my favourite place in the house.

HQ.

Jet ski

I am very much an adventure girl who loves being on the water. It’s been a part of my life ever since I was a little girl. I love to take my jet ski out in summer with my mates. It is an awesomely fun way to get around on the ocean.

‘Awesome fun.’

2020 All Australian Team Trophy

This individual honour is something I’m extremely proud of.

All Australian. Pictures: Eugene Hyland

Having only begun my football journey at 18 after having had no football experience in my junior years, it was something I never expected nor dreamt that I could achieve.

Originally published as ‘A little strange’: AFLW star Libby Birch reveals her inner geek