Maddy Roberts reflects on her journey to the AFLW with the Gold Coast Suns ahead of the 2020 season

The scars of rejection that planted the seed of doubt in Maddy Roberts’ mind are not completely gone but she is using it to fuel her 2020 AFLW campaign.

THE scars of rejection that planted the seed of doubt in Maddy Roberts’ mind are not completely gone but she is using it to fuel her 2020 AFLW campaign.

Roberts made history in May last year when she became the first player selected by the Gold Coast Suns as a priority signing, ending a tough few years that would have seen many others give up.

The former soccer player and Coolangatta Bluebird entered the inaugural draft in 2016 quietly confident she would be picked but was overlooked.

The Palm Beach resident was part of the train-on side with the Brisbane Lions in 2017 and told she was the top reserves player, only to not be asked back the following year after being overlooked at the draft for a second time.

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The dental nurse opted to miss the 2018 draft after finding out bout the Suns impending arrival to the AFLW in 2020, putting all her energy into making the team.

After impressing in the Suns AFLW Summer Academy program and 2018 Winter Series, Roberts has finally fulfilled her dream. She will feature in today’s QW Winter Series match against Brisbane at Metricon Stadium.

The 27-year-old small forward and midfielder said she was still pinching after finally making her dream a reality.

Maddy Roberts. Suns AFLW players at all-in media day. Picture: Tim Marsden

“It was hard to believe at first. I still have my moments of disbelief and it’s hard not to doubt yourself because there was a few years I was knocked back,” Roberts said.

“It’s hard not to build up that self doubt. Now I’m just starting to enjoy it.

“I had a few games during the winter series and that shook the cobwebs out.”

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Roberts said she wanted to keep a chip on her shoulder to give her added incentive when the 2020 season begins in February.

“All the girls are extremely good athletes. I have never trained in a team so fit, fierce and hungry for a game of footy,” Robert said.

Roberts couldn’t understate the influence of Suns AFLW coach David Lake who had instilled a confidence and belief in her she had not previously felt.

“He is such a level-headed man,” Roberts said.

“He is a great coach and for years I have always gone to him for feedback because I really trust what he says.”

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