How injury and missing out on a premiership sparked Ash Snow’s AFLW dream
From learning how to play footy growing up in Singapore to injury robbing her of a shot at a premiership, Ash Snow has certainly walked a different path but is determined to reach the AFLW.
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A cruelly-timed injury is driving Ash Snow to achieve her dream of reaching the AFLW.
The talented youngster suffered a stress reaction in her leg in 2019 and missed the Northern Knights’ historic NAB League Girls premiership.
Missing out on that opportunity made the 17-year-old realise footy was the path she wanted to pursue.
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“I missed out on the finals in 2019, which was devastating, but it was also good because it made me realise footy was what I wanted to do,” she said.
“I needed that because I was a bit unsure and it was a bit of motivation.”
Snow made her return in Round 1 this season and impressed in the three games before the season was called off due to COVID-19.
Having played much of her underage career off half-back Knights coach Marcus Abney-Hastings threw her into the midfield.
The West Preston-Lakeside junior didn’t let her coach down, averaging 15 disposals and three tackles a game.
“I got back for the first three games this year and felt good, I was lucky enough show what I could do,” Snow said.
Snow’s path to Aussie Rules isn’t the traditional one having lived overseas for several years.
She first learnt how to play in Singapore before moving to the US and took up footy full-time when she returned to Australia in her teens.
The Thornbury High School student is trying not to get ahead of herself before Tuesday’s AFLW Draft.
“When I lived overseas I did play touch rugby but when we moved back to Australia I’ve only focused on footy,” Snow revealed.
“Singapore is actually where I started playing footy because my school was an Australian International School, so there was an Auskick program.
“That’s where I learnt to play and there’s an Aussie TV channel that showed games on the weekends.
“I’m pretty nervous, I’m trying not to get my hopes up, but it’s always been a dream since the AFLW started a few years ago.”
Year 12 studies have certainly helped keep the West Coast fan’s mind occupied without footy.
Several Victorian clubs have shown interest in the tough 160cm defender with a standout season as a 16-year-old a window into her potential.
“My bottom-age year was quite good and in my interviews I found out the clubs have watching since then, which is interesting and cool,” she said.
“I was lucky enough to have a few interviews with some Victorian clubs, which I was excited about.
“I have a little home gym that my dad set up so I’m in there pretty much every day doing what I can to keep my fitness up.
“My dad’s a bit of a fitness freak and he’s got a footy background so he’s always making me go for runs and wants to have a kick luckily.”