St Mary’s product J’Noemi Anderson will make her AFLW debut with St Kilda against Geelong

Another member of a famous Top End family will play football at the highest level when she pulls on the St Kilda colours in a must-watch match against Geelong.

There were tears all round as St Mary’s product J’Noemi Anderson announced to her proud mother Libby she was going to be making her AFLW debut on Thursday.

Anderson, who moved to Melbourne to finish school, has been selected to play for the seventh-placed St Kilda against Geelong today in Round Five at GMHBA Stadium.

Anderson was picked up at number 16 in the AFLW draft.

Anderson was a strong performer for the Saints in previous seasons, winning the 2020-21 Rising Star award and the 2021-22 club’s Women’s Premier League best and fairest.

She was also one of the best on ground in the NTFL representative’s squad win over Woodville-West Torrens in January.

On the club’s Facebook page, Anderson, alongside Saints skipper Hannah Priest, called her mother Libby to say she was playing her first game.

J'Noemi Anderson will make her debut for the Saints against Geelong in Round Five. Picture: St Kilda Football Club.

“She’s done such an amazing job,” Priest said.

“Putting in all the hard work while doing Year 12, she now gets the opportunity and we’re all so proud.”

J’Noemi was the fourth member of the Anderson clan to be recruited by an elite level football club, following in the footsteps of Jed (Hawthorn and North Melbourne), Joe (Carlton) and Jasmine (Adelaide).

“I can’t talk,” she said to her mother, who was also overcome with emotion.

“I can’t wait to see you get out there, I’m so proud of you J’Noemi,” Libby said.

J’Noemi Anderson playing for the NTFL representative team. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The conversation took place moments after Priest surprised the St Mary’s starlet with the announcement midway through a club-organised Q&A.

The third, and final question, Priest asked was: “Who will make their AFLW debut this week?”

Anderson looked initially unsure, but when shown her name on the script she was overcome with emotion, lifting her jersey over her head and hugging Priest.

Brother Jed said he advised her to play her natural game, just have fun and “soak up the moment”.

“It’s a massive achievement for the family and we’re so excited to see her play,” Anderson said.

“We’re always here to give her a hand with any questions and help her out with her footy

“It will be exciting to see her play at the elite level.

“She’s a bit nervous, as you’d expect with a first game at the elite level.

“Everyone will be watching and cheering for her that have followed her career. We can’t wait.”