Rylie Wilcox keeping feet on ground ahead of AFLW Draft

One of the AFLW Draft’s most elusive players looms as a top-10 pick but Northern Knights talent Rylie Wilcox is keeping her feet on the ground.

Rylie Wilcox in action for Vic Metro.

Northern Knights talent Rylie Wilcox only picked up a football in 2018 and now looms as an almost-certain first-round AFLW Draft pick.

The lightning quick youngster’s rapid rise to Under-18 All-Australian has certainly caught the eye of recruiters.

Wilcox has been interviewed by all 10 Victorian clubs and toured several home grounds in the past month in the lead up to Wednesday’s big day.

Standing at 158cm, the Fitzroy junior has shone on the wing this NAB League season with her classy ball use, linebreaking run-and-carry and elusiveness and projects as a small forward to start at AFLW level.

Having played soccer and hockey growing up, Wilcox decided to try football for something new.

Rylie Wilcox (third from left) representing Vic Metro. Picture: Northern Knights Instagram

Despite draft expectations, with some predicting a top-10 selection, Wilcox is keeping her feet firmly on the ground.

“I’m a bit nervous, I must say, it hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Wilcox said.

“It will on Wednesday definitely so I’m also pretty excited to see what will happen.

“I got an invite (to a club) today so that’s always promising but you never know. If I get picked up I’ll be very grateful.

“I’ve met with all 10 Victorian clubs so it’s been a pretty full on month and a bit but very grateful for the opportunity to get to know the clubs.”

A rib injury almost derailed Wilcox’s season and she played just five matches at NAB League level, averaging 20 disposals, five marks and 3.5 tackles.

However, that was enough to earn her a Vic Metro call-up before stepping up to VFLW level with Carlton.

Wilcox impressed in the national championships, averaging 16 disposals, three marks, 4.3 inside 50s and kicking two goals in three appearances to earn All-Australian honours.

Picked up 14 touches and kicked two goals in the All-Stars game and finished the season with three VFLW matches with the Blues, highlighted by a strong 15-disposal, four-mark performance against Footscray.

Coming off two years of interruption and missing early games, Wilcox was pleased with her performances.

“It’s definitely been a step up from last year,” she said.

“I had a setback with a rib injury so I missed half the NAB League season but I got back for the Vic Metro, the All-Stars game and VFLW.

“I think I had a pretty good season and showed my skills and what I can do as a player.

“(Vic Metro) was such a good experience … I really enjoyed playing and travelling, when we went to Gold Coast, I’m really grateful for the opportunity.

“Getting to play against bigger bodies (in the VFLW), definitely in the first game I felt rattled but then I got used to the bigger bodies and used my strengths to get around them and backed myself.

“It was such a great experience, it was a little taste of what it will be like in AFLW.”

A Hawthorn fan growing up, Wilcox has supported Carlton in the AFLW in the Hawks’ absence.

However, with Bec Goddard’s team joining the competition’s expansion this coming season, the young gun is torn.

Wilcox is firmly in Hawthorn’s sights with a range of early picks but landing at the Blues would be equally a dream come true.

“It would be cool if I could play for the Hawks but I don’t mind where I go. I’d be happy wherever I go to be honest,” she said.

Rylie Wilcox in action for Vic Metro.

AFL talent expert Kevin Sheehan highlighted Wilcox’s clean ball-handling, composure, vision and elite agility, with her ability to “step through congestion and find space to execute her skills with precision”.

Wilcox believed her game would translate to AFLW level.

“I played as a wing this season and I feel like that’s my best position,” she said.

“I also don’t mind the half-forward role and playing as a small forward and running around people.”

The new AFLW season is expected to start in August this season.

It will force a host of draftees, including Wilcox to juggle school and a hectic introduction to professional sport.

However, the Northcote High School student is confident she has the support to handle any situation.

“I’ve been juggling it most of my life so it won’t be a problem,” she said.

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“Because it is a professional sport I’ll communicate with the club and we can work it out together.

“Mum and dad, my whole family, my sister has her Ps so she takes me to training.

“My grandparents have been a great support, my family is always there on match day, which is great.”

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