Katherine Smith, 18, is the youngest player selected in the AFL women’s draft

KATHERINE Smith, from Blackburn, will be the youngest AFL women’s player after being selected by the Melbourne Demons in the draft.

Katherine Smith was taken at pick number 56 to the Melbourne Demons in the first women’s AFL draft. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

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KATHERINE Smith will always remember Wednesday, October 12, 2016, as the day her childhood dream became a reality.

It was the day Smith’s name was read out by the Melbourne Demons at the inaugural AFL Women’s Draft, confirming that she would one day play professional football.

Smith, of Blackburn (pictured), was taken in the seventh round of the draft with pick number 56.

Having turned 18 three weeks ago, she is the youngest footballer selected to play in next year’s women’s competition.

“As a kid it was always my dream to play AFL, but obviously back then it wasn’t even possible,’’ she said.

“In the last couple of years, with the Demons and Bulldogs exhibition matches, the dream became a goal. Now it’s come true and it’s just unbelievable.”

It’s been a big year for Smith, who also captained the Victorian Metro girls football team to grand final glory at the 2016 AFL Youth Girls National Championships (inset), where she was best on ground in the decider.

Smith also played her 200th game for the Blackburn Football Club, before joining the Eastern Devils VFL team to further her chances of getting drafted.

“I’d had some conversations with a few clubs before the draft, but it was a complete surprise that Melbourne picked me up,” she said.

“I was trying to hold back the tears when my name was read out, but it really hit me when I went over to Mum and Dad and saw he was tearing up a bit – that’s when I knew it was real.

“I’m really happy with Melbourne – having people like Daisy Pearce and (women’s football operations manager) Debbie Lee there is amazing and I know I’ll be in very safe hands.”

Melbourne AFL women’s recruiting manager Anthony DeJong said Smith would bring “immense leadership” to the team’s defence.

“Katherine played really well defensively and we watched her closely on video and her skills, leadership and decision-making were outstanding,” DeJong told Melbourne’s club website.

Smith will begin training with teammates in November. Until then her attention will be on finishing Year 12 at Kingswood College. “Last week was really stressful with the draft and trying to study,” she said.