Tassie tackling machine keen to seize surprise AFLW chance

No one was more shocked than Mackenzie Ford when she was picked up by Richmond in Monday’s draft. But she plans to emulate her playing style and tackle her AFLW chance head on.

Tasmania Devils player Mackenzie Ford has been drafted by Richmond. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mackenzie Ford and her family were too shocked to celebrate immediately when she was snapped up by Richmond in Monday’s AFL Draft.

Urged by members of her support network who got an early ‘heads up’ from the Tigers they’d pick her, the Kingborough midfielder had given up after 40 selections came and went.

But when Richmond grabbed her at pick 43, she became the third Tasmania Devil selected after Brooke Barwick (no.4, Bulldogs) and Georgia Clark (no.8, Collingwood).

Barwick and Clark had long been touted as AFLW-bound talents, but Ford’s was a pleasant surprise.

“Yesterday morning (Monday) my manager and one of my Devils coaches rang me, and didn’t give anything away, but they knew (I was getting picked),” she said.

“They said make sure to watch it, as you never know what can happen. Once it got to about pick 40 I had it in my head it’s done and dusted now.

“When Richmond picked me no one really said anything, everyone was in shock.”

Ford was named Kingborough’s best player in every game this season, helping guide the Tigers to a grand final.

Mackenzie Ford in action for Tasmania. Picture: Linda Higginson / Tasmania Devils

She also played two matches for Allies at the national championships, where her pressure and competitiveness were on display in a 15-tackle effort against Western Australia.

Even a sickening head knock as a teenager, not long after giving up netball where she’d represented Tasmania to focus on football, quelled her physical approach.

She knows plays in a trademark blue helmet every game, a habit likely to continue in AFLW.

“It must have been when I was 15 and playing for (Cygnet junior side) Southern Storm. I copped a boot to the head, ran to the bench, and was then out like a light,” she said.

“I had a trip to the hospital and it was mum and dad’s rule if I wanted to keep playing, it was wear a helmet or don’t play. So I’ve worn a helmet ever since.

“The physical side of things (in AFLW) will be a bit of a jump, but I love copping knocks and love giving them.”

Ford played with North Hobart’s under-15s in 2020, before shifting to Cygnet to play for the same club as older brother Lukas.

She won a premiership with Cygnet’s women’s side in 2022 before shifting to Kingborough this year.

Tasmania’s Brooke Barwick was drafted by Western Bulldogs. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Richmond believes she can initially fill a high-pressure small forward role, plus some midfield stints.

“At the Draft Combine they (Richmond) said they loved the style of game I play. So I thought I didn’t have to change anything, just improve on what I do,” she said.

“Midfield is my preferred position, but a run forward would be really good to develop that part of my game a bit more.

“I’m so happy for Brooke and Georgia, they’ve worked so hard for it as well.

“Georgia and I have become quite close friends after going away with Allies.

“Brooke hasn’t been around much with her ACL (injury), but she’s always given me tips here or there and I’ve kind of modelled my game around watching her early on.”