How AFLW Draft prospect Lulu Beatty overcame injury setback to find top form

Versatile AFLW Draft prospect Lulu Beatty overcame an early-season injury setback to find top form and one experience was crucial.

A strong finish to the VFLW season has Lulu Beatty primed to step up to the AFLW.

Injury curtailed the 18-year-old’s NAB League season but still broke through for two Vic Metro appearances, highlighting her potential.

However, it was in five games with women’s football talent factory Darebin Falcons that Beatty believes she discovered her best football.

“I started with an injury in pre-season, I had a stress response in my right foot, and wasn’t able to play the first five games. It was a bit of a battle,” she said.

“It took me a while to get my confidence back (after the injury).

Lulu Beatty (right) with her Northern Knights Vic Metro teammates.

“I got better as I played on and I felt towards the end of the VFL season in particular I was playing at a high level.

“There were a few games at Knights that I was happy with but I felt it took me until the VFL season to start consistently playing good football.”

After missing the first five NAB League matches, Beatty excelled in the back half, averaging 16 disposals, four marks and four tackles.

The Darebin and Northcote junior’s versatility will appeal to recruiters having been used across the ground this season.

Two games with Vic Metro further enhanced her AFLW Draft credentials before finishing the campaign with Darebin.

The 171cm youngster averaged nine disposals, 2.5 marks and three tackles and was among the Falcons’ best in a final-round loss to Port Melbourne after 14 touches and four tackles.

The elite pathway experience and VFLW grounding has several Victorian teams considering her with late picks on Wednesday night.

Beatty said this season had broadened her game considerably and an AFLW opportunity would only improve her development.

“I’m most comfortable playing off half-back, intercepting and reading the play are some of my strengths,” she said.

“That’s where I play my most high-level football but I’ve played all over the field this season – I played on the wing at VFLW level and played forward and midfield at the Knights.

“I probably got my best numbers in the midfield at Knights and I enjoyed being in the middle of it all and playing my defensive role as a sweeper in the midfield.

“I think I have a lot of growth, you need to be able to continue to develop as a player.

“If I’m able to play at that level and play against bigger bodies I think I can get so much better and I need to be at that level.

“It’s a very different game (in the VFLW) and it taught me a lot, gave me a taste of what to expect (at AFLW level).”

The Northcote High School student has been linked to North Melbourne and Carlton ahead of the draft.

Expansion clubs Essendon and Hawthorn could also be in the mix as they look to full out their lists ahead of an August season start.

However, Beatty is remaining realistic and is determined to keep working if her name isn’t called out.

“I’ve worked really hard for a number of years to try and get there,” she said.

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“Whether it happens this year or another year I’ll keep working to make it.

“The Knights is a great program so I’ve got that to fall back on (next season) but I’ve also loved by time at Darebin, it’s such a great team and club culture and I’ve learnt so much.

“I’m quite nervous (about Wednesday night), I’m just trying to fill my days to distract myself.”

The AFLW Draft will be held on Wednesday night from 7pm.