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Why AFLW trailblazer Moana Hope quit footy

Moana Hope has opened up about her decision to take a year off from footy, after the marquee AFLW recruit called it quits on the eve of the draft.

Moana Hope marries Isabella Sofia Carlstrom in beautiful wedding

Moana Hope has opened up about her decision to take a year off from footy, saying she couldn’t afford not to work.

The original marquee AFLW recruit called it quits on the eve of the draft, turning her back on a possible 2020 lifeline to focus on family and having children with her wife Isabella Carlstrom.

“I love footy but it’s either quit my job (and) play footy, or quit footy and do my job and right now my job pays the bills,’’ Hope said.

“It’s 12 months of the year you do that, not six or four months. I have to make decisions that’s best for my family and this is one of those.”

Hope said she and Carlstrom were close to realising their dream.

Hope - pictured with designer Tommy Hilfiger in Melbourne on Friday along with her wife, Isabella. Picture: AAP
Hope - pictured with designer Tommy Hilfiger in Melbourne on Friday along with her wife, Isabella. Picture: AAP
Moana Hope celebrates her first goal as a Kangaroo in the AFLW earlier this year. Picture: Getty
Moana Hope celebrates her first goal as a Kangaroo in the AFLW earlier this year. Picture: Getty
Hope - the original marquee AFLW recruit - with the Magpies. Picture: Getty
Hope - the original marquee AFLW recruit - with the Magpies. Picture: Getty

“Me and Bell are hoping to be pregnant within a month, fingers crossed,’’ she said.

“We’re going through Monash IVF and waiting for her to ovulate and then we’ll inseminate. “So we’re hoping that we can be mummies soon.

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“Bell’s mum unfortunately was diagnosed with breast cancer and we started a new school for (my sister) Vinny. There’s a lot of stuff going on both good and bad, so I decided the next six months needs to be focused on family and starting that.”

Hope and Carlstrom met fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger on Friday.

“It’s pretty cool. You do something like that and I know it sounds cliche, but it’s like a pinch yourself moment,’’ Hope said.

“I wasn’t sure whether to say ‘Tommy’ or ‘Sir’, but he’s a pretty awesome dude. To be able to stand next to him and wear his clothes and meet him, not many people can say they get to do that.”

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/why-aflw-trailblazer-moana-hope-quit-footy/news-story/be8a9d35d7803eb6cd8a449f8ab585f0