Talented Mickayla Ward lauded as ultimate team player by Nightcliff Tigers mentor Shannon Millar
THERE is no doubting the individual brilliance Mickayla Ward has brought to Nightcliff Tigers, and the role she has played in turning the Women’s Premier League outfit into a premiership contender in the 2020-21 NTFL competition.
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THERE is no doubting the individual brilliance Mickayla Ward has brought to Nightcliff Tigers, and the role she has played in turning the Women’s Premier League outfit into a premiership contender in the 2020-21 NTFL competition.
The Western Bulldogs captain in the VFLW has been outstanding for the yellow-and-blacks this season, finishing in her side’s best five times from her six games.
But it is her team-first attitude which has most impressed coach Shannon Millar.
Nightcliff is now in fifth place – a far cry from the consistently low finishes the team found itself in before last season, when it also finished its home-and-away campaign in fifth spot.
“Mickayla is one of our superstars – she doesn’t hesitate to put her head over the ball and she loves contests,” Millar told the NT News.
“Her goalkicking is also huge. But she’s a great team player.
“She gives great feedback and directions on the field.
“We came last (in 2018-19) before she arrived at the club last season, but she’s helped this team jell nicely and she’s one of our leaders.”
Ward, 34, has indicated she will give playing in the AFLW one last shot in 2021, and her Nightcliff mentor still believes this is possible.
“If she puts her mind to it she can do it because she’s got the talent,” Millar said.
“If she continues to improve, the relevant talent ID people will look at her.
“She did her shoulder last season and missed the second half of the season, but health-wise she’s great now.
“She cracked a rib a few weeks ago and missed a couple of weeks, but she’s good now. She’s very fit and strong.”
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