Eliza Hynes joins Collingwood’s AFLW team after playing national-level volleyball

AN Australian volleyballer who hasn’t previously pulled on a footy boot has joined Collingwood’s AFL Women’s outfit as a rookie for the 2018 season.

ELIZA Hynes’ spike is a force to be reckoned with, and now it’s time to try her hand with the boot.

The Australian volleyball player has joined Collingwood’s AFL Women’s outfit as a rookie for the 2018 season, forming a potent tall combination with now re-signed tap star Emma King.

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Hynes, 25, was selected in the national volleyball outfit and has since spent time playing in Finland and throughout Europe.

But being part of a bigger team environment was always something that was missing.

Enter the Magpies.

“I moved from beach volleyball to indoor volley ball – I was really striving for that bigger team feel when playing professionally,” Hynes said.

“I played two seasons in Europe, but it’s not around family and friends. Football has opened that door.”

At 183cm, Hynes is hoping to develop her game – which will garner plenty of her time, energy and focus from today – to both support King and have an influence in front of goal.

Collingwood AFLW recruit Eliza Hynes.

It will be her first attempt at Australian Rules.

“I’m not restricted to one aspect of the game - I think that I can really cross all areas,” she said.

“In my netball career and volleyball career, I’ve always wanted to be the one scoring the points, so I do have a little bit of a tie to being a forward. I know I’ve got the height but I’ve got a strong build about me to hopefully make my way as a forward and position myself there.”

Magpies coach Wayne Siekman – who was passed Hynes’ name from inaugural season player Cecelia McIntosh, who has also re-signed for AFLW02 – lauded the tall’s versatility as a key asset for the Pies as they look to build upon last season’s fifth-place finish.

“For someone that’s never played before her skills and technique are very impressive and exciting,” he said.

“At 183cm tall with a strong leap, it gives her a lot of opportunity to play in numerous positions.

“She’s got a great kick and we’ll work with her to build her understanding of the game.”

Growing up in Bendigo, Hynes grew up supporting Collingwood but insisted that was not a factor in her decision.

“Collingwood was ticking all of the right boxes for me on and off the field,” she said.

“”It felt like a good connection from the start.”

Her dad, however – a die-hard Magpies fan – had one idea in mind when he heard the news that his daughter would be in black and white.

“My dad’s first comment was more or less ‘when are you going to get me in to have a look around?’,” Hynes laughed.

“He’s been waiting years and years for his opportunity.”