AFLW: Former Dandenong Stingrays captain Jemma Ramsdale added to GWS Giants list

Overlooked in the draft, Jemma Ramsdale has stunningly made it on to an AFLW list and will move interstate to begin her career. She talks about how it all happened — and who she’ll miss.

Jemma Ramsdale playing for the Stingrays. Picture: Supplied

Jemma Ramsdale was coaching a kids footy clinic in Frankston last week when her phone rang.

Her jaw dropped when she heard who was on the other end.

It was GWS Giants list manager Tyson Bourke asking if she was willing to be interviewed by the AFLW club.

A Giants player had done her ACL and a spot on the list had opened up.

Ramsdale, 19, who thought her AFLW dream was over when she didn’t get drafted last December, couldn’t say yes fast enough.

And in a whirlwind few days, the Giants flew her to Sydney, showed her around, introduced her to coaches and players — and signed her.

“They said do you want to be a Giant?,” Ramsdale said.

Jemma Ramsdale of the Stingrays competes for the ball. (Photo by Mike Owen/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Back in Melbourne, Ramsdale — who has just finished a VFLW season with Colingwood — is preparing for the biggest move of her life.

She and her mum Shona will leave on Saturday morning and drive to Sydney.

Dad Ricky will fly up on Monday and return that evening with Shona, leaving Jemma to start her journey.

“Obviously it’s a bit scary,’’ Jemma said.

“It doesn’t feel real yet and I don’t think it will until I’m actually there.

“It’s a great opportunity and I’ve always wanted to be on a (AFLW) list. I didn’t care where it was. When I went for the draft I applied nationally so I was prepared to move.

“But because it’s happened all of a sudden it’s a shock but I think I’ll be okay. I’m pretty independent with these sort of things.

“It’s only an hour flight so mum and dad can come up whenever they want. It will be fine.”

Jemma Ramsdale. Picture: Martin Keep

Ramsdale says she’ll miss her friends and family but there’s someone else who’ll be on her mind.

She’s been teaching the preppies at Kunyung Primary in Mt Eliza this year and has grown close to little Levi, a boy with learning difficulties.

They’re best mates.

“I’m a bit sad to leave him because I love him,” she said.

“He’s going to miss me and I’ll miss him but I said he can FaceTime whenever he wants.

“He’s got learning difficulties…so I just help him do work. He’s a ripper.”

Ramsdale was a late comer to football.

She played basketball growing up — excelling at representative level and playing for Victoria — before stumbling across footy at 15.

“It wasn’t until my mate at basketball said, ‘do you want to fill in for my footy team’, and I said, ‘yeah, alright’,’’ she said.

“I played and kicked five goals in my first game and dad said wow you’re alright, you might play now.’’

Ramsdale then went through the Saints next generation pathway, played interleague and captained Dandenong Stingrays in her top-age year, as well as playing for Vic Country.

Determination and dedication is at the root of her success.

Asked what the Giants would get from her, she said: “They’re going to get a very confident, loud and exciting person and player. I just back myself to win every one on one, destroy the ball and intercept mark…they’re going to get a person who tries hard and won’t take shit from nobody. I hope they’re prepared for that.’’

The AFLW season starts on August 30. The GWS Giants play two games at Frankston’s Kinetic Stadium, against St Kilda and Hawthorn.

Ramsdale will try all she can to earn an opportunity.

Dad Ricky is mighty proud of Jemma, especially for her resilience, and said she deserved this opportunity.

“The whole family is thrilled,’’ he said.

“She’s real team first player. She always speaks her mind but is team positive.’’