Down to business for state’s lone AFL Women’s Academy selection Daria Bannister

SHE may be the only Tasmanian in the inaugural AFL Women’s Academy but Daria Bannister is taking nothing for granted when it comes to getting drafted this year.

Daria Bannister clears from the pack during a South Australia v Tasmania match. Picture: Scott Barbour/AFL Media

SHE may be the only Tasmanian in the inaugural AFL Women’s Academy but Launceston’s Daria Bannister is taking nothing for granted when it comes to getting drafted this year.

Bannister is currently in Melbourne taking part in a week-long camp with the academy, which includes leadership sessions with AFLW players, skill lessons at clubs and community engagements that teach what is physically and mentally required to succeed at an elite level.

The academy’s 33 players, divided into 16- and 17-year-olds, have received a scholarship and will also take part in accelerated football and personal development camps around Australia over a 12-month period. At 17, Bannister is eligible for next season’s draft but the Launceston midfield/forward knows nothing is definite.

“We get exposure to a few AFLW clubs and current AFLW players but nothing definite about draft potential,” she said.

“The academy is providing us with everything we need to reach our peak performance to enhance our ability to get drafted. But in the end it is up to us.”

Bannister said it was a “huge honour” to be the only Tasmanian in the academy, which also held a camp in Canberra in January.

“Initially it created a lot of nerves, but this is the second time we have gotten together now and all the coaches and girls are so welcoming. I can see myself playing this sport for many years to come.”

Bannister was selected through the 2016 AFL under-18 championships and was also a member of the under-18 All-Australian team.

Launceston women’s coach Alex Gibbins said Bannister was ready to play at AFLW level now.

“She’s already in the spotlight of the AFL but all this extra exposure is great,” Gibbins said.