Darcy Vescio admits she could never have imagined Friday night’s Ikon Park spectacle
THE buzz hasn’t worn off for Carlton’s newest star Darcy Vescio, who admitted even recently she was a doubter as to how big women’s football could be.
THE buzz hasn’t worn off for Carlton’s newest star Darcy Vescio, who admitted even recently she was a doubter as to how big women’s football could be.
The forward booted four goals in Friday night’s historic inaugural AFL women’s clash at Ikon Park, leading her side to a 35-point win over Collingwood.
More than 24,000 people piled into the ground - while another 1000 were locked out - to witness history in a showing of support that Vescio said she had her doubts about.
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“Even I would have been one of those people a couple of years back (a doubter),” she said on Saturday.
“But I think footy is just a game for everyone and this is just showing how much people love it.
“I guess it’s a sign of how far we have come and how much interest there is in women’s footy at the moment and how much it’s going to grow from this competition.
“It’s unfortunate people had to miss out on seeing it but, with all great sporting events, people miss out. It just shows how much interest there is and how lucky we are with people supporting us.”
The 23-year-old was feeling a bit battered, fronting the media before completing her post-match recovery.
“It was very rough, heaps of big clashes,” she said.
“I am pretty sore this morning but that’s footy. The first game always feels like the roughest because your body is not used to it. Hopefully it’s alright from here on in.”
The hits weren’t the only trouble faced by the Blues’ women’s outfit, with a number having to read over the lyrics to the foundation club’s team song before belting it out for the first time.
“There are a few tricky lines in there,” Vescio said.
“But I think everyone was mostly around it. We had to have a quick read in the lead-up to make sure we got it right - but it was good.”
Vescio was the hero of the Carlton cheer squad after the game, with hundreds chanting her name.
And there were a few different requests.
“I signed some hands and a phone cover,” she said.
“I’m still getting used to it all.”
Originally published as Darcy Vescio admits she could never have imagined Friday night’s Ikon Park spectacle
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