AFL 2019: Romsey junior Madison Prespakis makes instant impact with Carlton
It only took Madison Prespakis two games to show Australia the undeniable talent those at Romsey Junior Football Club became aware of years ago.
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It only took Madison Prespakis two games to show Australia the undeniable talent those at Romsey Junior Football Club became aware of years ago.
The combative on-baller, who was drafted by Carlton with pick No. 3 in last year’s AFL Women’s draft, was recognised with a Rising Star nomination for a performance which featured 20 disposals, eight clearances and a goal in the Blues’ Round 2 defeat against Adelaide.
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“It’s obviously been a big challenge and it’s a massive step up even (from) VFLW,” Prespakis said.
“But personally I have loved it and I have loved every challenge of it.
“It’s always been a dream to play AFL. Now that I am here, I am taking it with both hands.”
Last year’s Calder Cannons TAC Cup Girls captain, Sunbury’s Prespakis was a highly-touted junior before being drafted by Carlton.
She took out Calder’s best and fairest last year after finishing runner-up to Collingwood’s Chloe Molloy in 2017 and shared the TAC Cup Girls best and fairest with Geelong’s No. 1 pick Nina Morrison.
“It has been a big step up and I found it very challenging at first,” Prespakis said.
“I was going home very tired and waking up very sore. I didn’t know what to expect this year but I think I have handled myself pretty well.”
Prespakis said her initial taste of AFL Women’s, when she debuted against North Melbourne in Round 1, had been a surreal experience.
“To hear the song and hear the crowd cheer for you, it definitely put a smile on my face,” she said.
“It’s something I will always remember. Especially running out on our home ground (in Round 2) with a home crowd, it was even better.
“I am loving it.”
The on-baller said the Blues were intent on climbing the ladder after a winless start to the campaign.
“You can already tell that we are a very different team to last year,” she said.
“I wasn’t a part of it last year, but I am so excited to be part of the Carlton Football Club this year.”
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