Natalie Plane will combine cricket and football after being drafted by Carlton

THE talented Natalie Plane is set for a busy summer after being drafted by Carlton to play in the AFL Women’s league.

Natalie Plane bowling for Melbourne. Also a talented footballer, she’s been drafted by Carlton. Picture: Stuart Milligan

NATALIE Plane was cutting pavers in her job as a landscape gardener when she was selected by Carlton with pick 83 in today’s AFL Women’s Draft.

“I didn’t get to watch it because I was at work all day but my friends were watching it for me and keeping me in the loop,” she said.

Now she’s a Carlton player, Plane, 20, is in for a busy summer of sport.

You see, she’s also a talented cricketer; a fast bowler for Melbourne in the Victorian Women’s Premier competition. And there’s talk she could play in the Women’s Big Bash.

Natalie Plane lets fly for Melbourne.

The solution? “Play both,” Plane said, without hesitation.

“I’ve just got to wait and see how things pan out but...I hope to do both,” she said.

The Frankston North 20-year-old said she was surprised to be drafted.

She only joined her club, Seaford, halfway through the season, playing only 10 games in the midfield and backline.

“I decided to have another crack down at Seaford because I knew they bringing the women’s AFL out. I’ve always wanted to play AFL,” she said.

Plane was one of five Seaford Tigerettes picked up in the draft.

Seaford's Sarah Hosking was drafted by Carlton. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The others were: Katherine Gillespie-Jones (Carlton, 14), Sarah Hosking (Carlton, 19), Kimberley Ebb (Western Bulldogs, 37) and Jess Hosking (Carlton, 78).

Seaford Tigerettes coach Brett Alexander was rapt for his players.

“It’s unreal, I’m just so excited for them. All their hard work and dreams have come true. It’s a great opportunity,” he said.