Star Darwin Buffettes midfielder Dom Carbone has a Hawthorn Hawks VFLW debut to remember
SHE might have dominated for Hawthorn in Round 1 of VFLW action on Saturday, but soon afterwards even tough midfielder Dom Carbone admits she was nervous and on the edge of her seat.
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SHE might have dominated for Hawthorn in Round 1 of VFLW action on Saturday, but soon afterwards even tough midfielder Dom Carbone admits she was nervous and on the edge of her seat.
After being a standout for the Hawks against an AFLW-packed Western Bulldogs outfit, helping her side be competitive but ultimately losing by 36 points, the 19-year-old was a keen observer of her beloved Darwin Buffettes in the Women’s Premier League qualifying final.
She need not have held any jitters, with Darwin going on to record a massive 73-point win over St Mary’s.
Darwin Buffettes star Ashanti Bush and Dominique Carbone train and impress at AFLW Hawthorn Hawks
And in huge news for the double-blues, the courageous onballer will fly back up to play in their blockbuster semi-final against the undefeated PINT at TIO Stadium on Saturday.
On the Hawks’ web page, the report from the Round 1 VFLW clash said Carbone “worked hard all day, with the youngster’s footy IQ and skilful disposal on show”.
The superstar youngster loved the high-level competition, and was invited back into the Hawthorn squad after impressing alongside Buffettes teammate Ashanti Bush during training sessions in late January.
“Playing for the Hawks was a really good experience. It’s a whole different competition down there, but I enjoyed playing a higher standard of football,” Carbone told the NT News.
“It’s a really good opportunity for me and I’m just taking it one step at a time at the moment.”
Carbone’s narrowed focus is because there is no doubt she also has the skills to push for a spot on a WNBL roster.
She was outstanding for Lightning in its 2020 convincing 28-point victory over Tracy Village in the 2020 Darwin Championship final, finishing with 26 points (three from seven three-pointers) and further emphasising her love of big, high-pressure games.
“Basketball is my first love, but I’m not looking too far ahead,” Carbone said.
“Right now it’s about taking this great opportunity with my football and continuing to develop as a player.
“I’ve got myself a place down here in Melbourne and I’m also studying occupational therapy.
“(Premiership-winning former Crows AFLW mentor) Bec Goddard is our coach and she’s an amazing coach.
“It’s also going to be great to be here alongside our captain Jess Trend.
“She did her ACL on the weekend but I’ll still be learning off her. Meg Hutchins is another one who’s played for Collingwood in the VFLW.”
Carbone’s giddy feelings with her standout Hawks debut quickly turned to nerves while watching Buffettes play.
“I was streaming their game and was on the edge of my seat,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to coming back and playing for them this weekend.
“PINT always give us great competition. Jasmyn Hewett in ruck is always one to look out for, and I’ve always looked up to someone like Katie Streader.”
Carbone and Bush are just two outstanding prospects who have won under-18 premierships at Darwin.
“We have a great junior program with great coaches involved, and I think a lot of our younger players can also play at a higher level,” Carbone said.
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