From Southport to west Sydney: 18-year-old Caitlin Miller to live out AFLW dream with GWS Giants

Queensland 18-year-old Caitlin Miller has long dreamt of taking her spot in the AFLW, and now the Southport junior is one step closer after being taken by the GWS Giants in the supplementary draft.

Southport Sharks player Caitlin Miller will join the GWS Giants. Pictures: GWS Giants/KPM Sports Images

SINCE she first kicked a football as a 12-year-old, getting to the AFLW has been a dream of Caitlin Miller’s.

Now the Gold Coast native is making the move south to live that out after being selected by the GWS Giants in Tuesday night’s supplementary draft.

Surrounded by her loved ones, pure emotion was on show when her name was called out with the eighth pick, a feeling she is still struggling to comprehend.

“From then through to now, I’m still shaking. It’s unreal,” Miller said.

The moment Caitlin Miller fulfilled her @aflwomens dream 🥹 #BigBigSound pic.twitter.com/8qznxMuW5i

— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) April 4, 2023

“It’s what any kid dreams of, and I can’t believe it’s come true. I’m so excited to come down with the team and meet the girls.”

Miller’s football journey started somewhat by chance, with her school needing an extra player to step up.

Little did she know it would get her hooked on the game she would eventually become a professional in.

Caitlin Miller of the Southport Sharks has been drafted by the GWS Giants for the 2023 AFLW season. Picture: KPM Sports Images

“Pretty much from the day I started I knew it was something I wanted to get into at the highest level,” she said.

“From the moment I kicked that first footy in 2017, it was something I wanted to pursue.

“My school needed a player, and I had never kicked a footy. Labrador said I looked like a footballer, then I was picked up by Southport the next year.

“It was more the learning and development over a short time (that I enjoyed). Both on and off the field, it teaches you a lot of things.”

Miller’s talent was undeniable throughout her teenage years, with stints in the Coates League and representing Queensland in the U18s nationals.

That also propelled her to the biggest stage in her home city, featuring in a QAFLW senior grand final with Southport last year.

“It was unreal getting to a grand final,” she said.

“Being around that team, it was such a vibe, and it was great to picked in the team.
“Everyone thinks about it (being daunting playing older opponents), but if you’re willing to get there, you have to push that aside.”

That has all helped to lead her to the biggest moment in her football journey this week, with the announcement she would join the GWS Giants one she will never forget.

“From not sleeping the past couple of nights, it was a relief,” she said.

Caitlin Miller will join the GWS Giants in 2023. Picture: GWS Giants Media

“It takes your words away and it’s hard to explain. Getting around my family and friends after, it was great having them here.

“From the minute my name was called I had messages from all the Giants girls.”

Miller made the drive down to Sydney on Wednesday, where she said she can’t wait to be a part of the group and prepare for the season which gets underway later this year.

“I’ll get settled in over the week and I’m looking forward to starting training,” she said.

“It’s been a dream to go the Giants for a few years now, and I want to put my best foot forward.”

Originally published as From Southport to west Sydney: 18-year-old Caitlin Miller to live out AFLW dream with GWS Giants