Jemmika Douglas has been a talented football player since a young age, and now 17, she is beginning to dream of what a career in the AFLW could look like.
The Indigenous Richmond Next Generation Academy product from Mildura impressed playing for Bendigo Pioneers at Coates Talent League level this year.
Douglas averaged 17 disposals per game playing across the midfield and forward, with her 25 disposal and two-goal game against Northern Territory a standout.
Speaking to Richmond Media from the Swinburne Centre after joining in a training session with the AFLW Tigers, Douglas lauded her involvement with the Club.
“I have been a part of the NGA program for three years, and it has helped me with my football and cultural development,” she said.
“I enjoy getting around new people and learning more about football and my culture. I do not get to do as much of it back home - so I enjoy doing it when I am here with Richmond.”
Douglas, who travels weekly between Mildura and Bendigo during the Coates Talent League season, said she would look at relocation for 2024 in order to assist her football pursuits.
“I want to get into a position where I can get more opportunities - that is my goal. I want to get into the AFL Academy and hopefully get drafted,” she said.
Douglas added that playing for the Tigers at AFLW level would be her dream.
“It is a super-inclusive club, and they have opened their arms to me. It is the Club I have gone for since I first got into footy,” she added.
“I got to train with the Richmond girls, and it was super exciting to see what they do and what a day in the life looks like for them; it was cool learning new stuff.”
Douglas is eligible for the 2024 NAB AFLW Draft.