‘She’s going to be a force’: Cairns prodigy on the verge of AFLW dream

A rising star from AFL Cairns is on the cusp of fulfilling her dreams.

Pictured: Heidi Talbot. Former Norths Cairns Tiger Heidi Talbot playing for the Suns Academy. 2024. Photo: RookieMeCentral.

A rising star from AFL Cairns is on the cusp of fulfilling her dreams.

As Heidi Talbot prepares for the 2024 AFLW National Draft on Monday night, her remarkable journey has taken her from Cairns to become one of the most promising prospects in the country.

With the Gold Coast Suns showing strong interest in her (holding picks 19, 27, 30, and 41 in this year’s draft), along with other AFLW clubs also eyeing her talent, Heidi Talbot is poised to be one of the top 30 picks in the draft.

Tiger's Heidi Talbot won the Anzac Day Trophy for best North Cairns Tiger in their Anzac Day clash against South Cairns Cutters at Watson's Oval. Picture: Jake Garland

The talented utility, who hails primarily from the North Cairns Tigers along with the Cairns City Lions, has had to overcome tough obstacles on the road to the AFLW draft.

Her proud father, Damien Talbot, who has been a steadfast supporter throughout her journey, has witnessed first-hand the sacrifices that have led to this pivotal moment in Heidi’s career.

Damien Talbot recalls the early days when his daughter was just seven or eight years old, accompanying him and her two younger brothers to the footy.

“I remember watching them at Holloways Beach, watching the planes in the sky instead of the football,” he chuckled.

But Heidi’s love for sport quickly grew, and by the age of 11, she was already playing in the boys division for the North Cairns Tigers, dominating at a level well beyond her years.

She was unplayable in the North Cairns Tigers’ premiership-winning under-15 girls’ team in 2021, booting nine goals in the grand final, while playing with the under-18 Cairns City Lions team that same year.

“She played against boys until she was 14, and that really helped her develop physically and get used to the speed of the game,” Damien said.

Heidi’s talent was not confined to football alone. She was a national champion in hockey at just 13 years old and excelled in cross-country running, placing third in the state at the 1500m.

“Once she had that base fitness, she wasn’t thinking about running anymore; she was just focused on the skills of the game,” Damien adds.

However, the path to the AFLW has not been easy.

At just 16, Heidi made the difficult decision to leave her family behind and relocate to the Gold Coast, where she would be closer to the Suns academy.

Heidi Talbot of the Gold Coast Suns U18 women's academy in action during the 2024 Coates Talent League. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos.

For Damien, this was a bittersweet moment.

“It was a big thing for her, and it was very hard for me too, just being so far away,” he said. “She had to grow up a lot, learn a lot, and get more self-sufficient. She’s always been independent, but this year, she’s had to juggle a lot more. It’s been tough, but she’s determined, and it’s finally paid off.”

Living away from home, Heidi balanced her football commitments with study and work, completing a Certificate II in Health and Safety and a business traineeship at the bank. “She’s not making good money. She’s just getting by each week,” Damien said.

“But she’s grown and learned a lot this past year. She’s had to do it tough, but her work ethic and drive are undeniable.”

Her versatility on the field, whether playing as a forward or in midfield, has been a hallmark of her game.

However, a recent change in role to a running half-back has allowed Heidi to fully showcase her athleticism, transitioning seamlessly from attack to defence.

Cairns football icon Jo Butland, who had coached Heidi in peninsula teams and the Suns Academy, has seen her growth first-hand.

“She’s super athletic, has a huge engine, and her workrate and speed are exceptional,” Butland said.

“She’s worked hard on her kicking and skills and really matured over the years. She’s an elite two-way runner.”

Butland compares Heidi’s style to that of Orla O’Dwyer from the Brisbane Lions, noting her ability to rebound from defence and charge the ball forward.

Anzac Day trophy winning Heidi Talbot is tackled in their Anzac Day clash between North Cairns Tigers and South Cairns Cutters at Watson's Oval. Picture: Jake Garland

She has impressed scouts with her speed, endurance, and versatility, particularly excelling in the draft combine, where she posted the second-fastest agility time and ranked highly in the 20m sprint and 2km time trial.

The guidance of Jarrod Harbrow at the Suns academy has also been instrumental in Heidi’s development.

Jill Boltz, a dual Great Britain Olympian and a coach with the Pace Project, which Heidi was part of, also sees the potential in her.

“It was obvious there was talent there,” Boltz said.

“She was a lovely girl, fun and curious. I’m excited to see what she becomes — she’s going to be a force.”

Talbot will join a growing list of exceptionally talented women who’ve made the leap from local sunburnt fields to prime time AFLW, including Poppy Boltz (Lions), twins Laquoiya and Litonya Cockatoo-Motlap (Power), Greta Bodey (Hawks), Leah Kaslar (Lions), Jacqui Dupuy (Suns) and Kitara Whap-Farrar (Suns).

Living proof that junior footballers in Far North Queensland can make it to the Australian big stage.

Originally published as ‘She’s going to be a force’: Cairns prodigy on the verge of AFLW dream