Western Bulldogs legend Chris Grant’s daughter Isabella Grant in frame for AFLW spot

Chris Grant is a legend of the Western Bulldogs, having played 341 AFL games for the club. Now another Grant looks set to join the ranks at Whitten Oval after making a code switch from basketball.

Isabella Grant could follow in her father's footsteps to Whitten Oval.

Western Bulldogs father-daughter prospect Isabella Grant says she has not “looked back” since quitting basketball to pursue an AFLW career three years ago as she strives to follow in the footsteps of football trailblazer Daisy Pearce.

The daughter of former Bulldogs captain Chris Grant — who played 341 AFL games — Isabella shapes as one of the top draft prospects for the AFLW this year, having been part of the AFL Women’s Academy.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE SUPERFOOTY PODCAST

Isabella Grant could follow in her father's footsteps to Whitten Oval. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

The 174cm right-footer has spent time as both a midfielder and forward this year with Vic Metro and NAB League club Western Jets and is considered a strong runner and natural leader.

Grant, 17, took up football in 2016 after the AFL announced it would start a women’s competition the following year and said it took little time to realise it was the game for her.

“I’d always wanted to play footy but never really saw it as an opportunity to make a living out of it or succeed or really enjoy it at that next level,” Grant said.

“But as soon as AFL Women’s came around I thought, ‘Wow, this is happening’. I just didn’t think in my generation that would be something that you could even think about.

Western Bulldogs legend Chris Grant runs out with daughters Isabella and Sasha.

“I went to a couple of training sessions down at Spotswood and instantly fell in love with the game. I love the culture so much that I pretty much quit all of my basketball commitments immediately.”

Grant said her father — who polled the most votes in the 1997 Brownlow Medal count but was ineligible to win — had been a big support since she made the switch but had not pushed her towards football.

“He’s really supportive of whatever sport I play but he did coach my club team as soon as I started playing and he’s still involved at Spotty now,” Grant said.

“That’s been a really good support network and he really enjoys it as well.”

Isabella Grant in action for Vic Metro. Picture: AFL Media

Richmond chief Brendon Gale in his element as Richmond’s AFLW ruck coach

AFLW star Katie Brennan is more than a footballer, she’s empowering others to achieve their goals

The Caulfield Grammar Year 12 student said while she still had work to do to earn an AFLW opportunity she was determined to make the most of the remainder of the year as she strives to be like her AFLW idol, Melbourne star Daisy Pearce.

“I really like the way Daisy Pearce goes about her footy but also about her personal life and the way she holds herself,” Grant said.

“The ultimate goal is just to try and maximise opportunities and improve as much as I can.”

Grant is taking part in Round 2 of the AFLW Under-18 Championships on the Gold Coast this week, which wrap up on Friday.

Chris Grant is revered at Whitten Oval.