Waratah product Kievit taken in the third round by GC Suns

The Territory has produced another AFLW product after Annabel Kievit was snapped up by the GC Suns at the 2023 AFLW Draft. Find out how she reacted here.

From her dad taking her out of the sport as a junior to an AFLW draftee, Darwinite Annabel Kievit couldn’t be more proud, landing her ‘dream’ gig as a professional footballer.

Watching the livestream of the draft at Waratah FC’s clubhouse, Kievit was in total shock as she heard her name read out.

“I was in shock and stunned,” she said.

“I don’t even think I comprehend what was going on at first.

“Once my name was read out I was swarmed by my friends and family, who were all cheering for me and super stoked for me.

“It was totally surreal, and a dream come true.”

Taken in the third round at pick number 52 by the Gold Coast Suns, the 18-year-old Waratah product is eager to get to the coast as quickly as possible.

“I’m super excited to get down there and get stuck in,” Kievit said.

“I’ll be relocating full-time to the GC, but I’m not too sure when that’ll be just yet.

“I’m going to stay up here (Darwin) for the Chrissy break and New Years, then I’ll see what they tell me to do.”

Annabel Kievit becomes the NT’s latest AFLW talent, being picked up at pick 52 in the 2023 AFLW Draft. Picture: AFLNT Media.

Having suffered a serious injury in March, the academy graduate is also very aware that she needs to spend some time learning the ropes from the more senior players at the club.

“I suffered a grade 2 MCL and PCL tear back in March when I was playing for the Suns’ U17s side,” she said.

“So I’ve spent quite a while on the sideline this year and haven’t played a game since the injury.

“I have just been cleared though as of last week by the Suns, and in the meantime, I’ve returned to running water and training with the ‘tahs.

“However before my injury, I actually did attend a few training sessions with the team and they were full-on.

“The speed training is held at, the heavier contact and just everything being so much more polished, it’ll take me some time to get into the groove.

“However the goal is 100 per cent to crack the starting side as soon as I can.”

And at 176cm tall, the aerial threat might do just that based on her versatility and ability to play upfront, through the middle and on the wing.

“I’m not too fussed about where I play,” Kievit said.

“I actually spent some time on the wing with the Suns when I was there and I quite enjoyed it.”

The NTFL Rising Star 2021 Award winner also wanted to give a quick shout-out to all her friends, family and coaching staff that aided her through her recovery journey, saying she wouldn’t have made it to where she is without them.