Cross-code star Jess Duffin to sacrifice World Cup for AFLW glory
Imagine having to pick between competing at a World Cup or chasing flag glory in the AFLW - that was the predicament facing cross-code star Jess Duffin.
AFL
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Australian cricket star Jess Duffin says her focus remains on playing for North Melbourne in the AFLW this summer despite her Melbourne Renegades coach being in no doubt the dual-sportswoman could feature in the Women’s T20 World Cup if she makes herself available.
Duffin became the first Melbourne Renegades player to reach 500 runs in a WBBL season after leading her side to victory with a knock of 53 in the final round against Sydney Sixes yesterday.
The impressive innings came a day after Duffin made 76no to be named player of the match against Melbourne Stars on Saturday.
Australian selectors had sounded out Duffin about playing for Australia A against India A in Queensland as national team preparations ramp up ahead of next February’s World Cup.
However, Duffin said she was not available for the series, four years after leaving international cricket to pursue an AFLW career.
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“There’s a spot for her in the Australian team, there’s no doubt about it,” Melbourne Renegades coach Tim Coyle said.
“But she’s got to make herself available. That’s up to Jess.”
While she has not shut the door on playing for Australia again, Duffin said on Saturday that was not her focus for now.
“I’m in a very fortunate position to be playing football and cricket at the moment,” the 30-year-old said.
“I haven’t really spoken to North Melbourne and when a few of those articles came out (about possibly playing in the World Cup) I kind of had to say, ‘I’m really sorry I didn’t give you the heads up about that’. But at the end of the day it would have to fall in place and I haven’t really thought about it.
“It’s a very big decision and I’m just not ready to make it yet.”
Coyle said Duffin’s performances in the WBBL this year had been exceptional, both from playing and leadership points of view.
“We asked her to be captain and I thought she was perfect for the role. She was a little bit reluctant at the start and thought maybe it should be someone younger, but she was perfect as the leader,” Coyle said.
“With that extra responsibility her game’s gone to another level. She is a serious player. But the great thing, over and above the 500 runs, it’s just the timing of the runs has been perfect. We’ve been in a bit of trouble at times and she’s stood up every time to either nearly win us games and more often than not, win us games.”
Originally drafted to Collingwood, Duffin was an All-Australian in the AFLW last season.