AFLW Bound: Heidi Talbot drafted at pick 27
Former North Cairns Tiger Heidi Talbot has been drafted at pick 27 by the Gold Coast Suns in the 2024 AFLW Draft.
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Cairns born and bred Heidi Talbot has been drafted at pick 27 by the Gold Coast Suns in the 2024 AFLW Draft.
Talbot, a former North Cairns Tigers star, has had an inspiring journey to the big leagues.
Just two day shy of her 18th birthday, the Far North prodigy said it was a dream come true.
“It feels unreal, it still feels like a dream,” she said.
“I’m really proud of myself, how far I’ve come this year as a person. I walked into today pretty confident, but I didn’t know I was going to be drafted that high. It was definitely a shock.”
She has impressed AFLW scouts with her versatility, excelling as a forward, midfielder and most recently as a running half-back.
Having been a part of the Suns academy, Talbot’s commitment to the sport took her to the Gold Coast at 16, where she faced numerous challenges balancing football with study and work.
Talbot said her father, Damien Talbot, has been the biggest influence on her on and off the field.
“He’s done a lot for me, thank you is not enough for him,” she said.
“I like seeing him proud and he’s worked really hard to help me reach my goals. I just try and put in the work and make him proud.”
Her determination and work ethic paid off, with Talbot ranking highly at the draft combine.
Showcasing her athleticism and elite endurance, particularly with her agility and sprinting times.
Drawing the interest of a number of clubs, the utility said she would’ve been open to a move interstate.
However, the 17-year old mentioned that settling at the Gold Coast over the past year will make for a smoother start to life in the AFLW.
In addition to Talbot, the Suns selected four other promising players: Havana Harris (pick 2), Mia Salisbury (pick 29), Nyalli Milne (pick 41) and Tara Harrington (pick 47), strengthening their future in the AFLW.
A player who grew up with North Cairns and also represented the Cairns City Lions, Talbot said her fondest memories of local footy were running out with close friend Lauren Davon for the Tigers in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions over the years.
Talbot’s selection highlights the growing talent pipeline from Far North Queensland to the national stage.
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Originally published as AFLW Bound: Heidi Talbot drafted at pick 27
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