AFLW Draft: Rosie Dillon reflects on journey to St Kilda
Rosie Dillon will continue her ties with former Hawthorn VFLW coach Paddy Hill after the ball magnet was recruited to St Kilda, where her former mentor is now an assistant.
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Last Tuesday, Rosie Dillon went to work as usual.
By the end of the day she’d been sent home by her boss after achieving the dream of a lifetime.
Dillon, a 153cm ball magnet from the Hawthorn VFLW side, will have a crack at the big league – the AFLW – after being picked up at No.24 by St Kilda in last week’s national draft.
“I went in in the morning then my boss kindly said I could go home,” Dillon said.
“At home I just jumped in the shower and I was going to get changed when (ex-Hawthorn VFLW coach and now St Kilda AFLW assistant-coach) Paddy (Hill) rang and said ‘how soon can you get in here? We’re going to take you early’.”
Despite the wink and a nudge, Dillon said she still wasn’t prepared to believe anything until her name was called and she could, officially, start lacing her boots for an AFLW career.
The new Saint grew up playing with the Whitehorse Colts as a youngster and is probably one of the last generation of women who doubted they’d ever get the chance to play AFL footy.
“I’m beyond stoked,” she laughed.
“Growing up you always want to do your dream but getting older you never think it will come true.”
Dillon was one of seven Hawks picked up last Tuesday and will be joined in the top flight by Laura McClelland (No.25 to Richmond), Tamara Luke (No.33 to St Kilda), Serena Gibbs (No.44 to Carlton), Jordan Membrey (No.74 to Collingwood), Talia Radan (No.92 to West Coast Eagles) and Chantella Perera (No.101 to West Coast Eagles).
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She said she hadn’t had too much contact with the Saints since the draft, beyond the initial welcomes and introductions and gaining her access to the Saints’ Moorabbin training facility.
“I’m sure more will be revealed in time,” she said.
“Some of the St Kilda boys have been in touch to say congratulations, which is really nice.
“But I think pre-season is still a month away.”
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