Meagan Kiely’s journey to the AFLW has been anything but linear.
Prior to last week’s AFLW Draft, Kiely had been a train-on player at two separate clubs and had played football in three different states, which included relocating to Melbourne to pursue her dream.
Now, she can finally say she’s achieved it.
And the 26-year-old mature-age recruit from Tasmania, who works as a physiotherapist, is pretty glad she never gave up.
"I’m definitely very happy I kept going and stuck with it, and pushed on and put in some hard work over the last 18 months, I’m glad it's paid off," Kiely said.
"Being involved with the Giants and North (train-on lists), and training and playing alongside those girls, I just felt I could probably mix it with them.
"I have the passion for the game and I really wanted to test myself."
On the field, Kiely has a strong overhead mark, a handy kick, and offers versatility and competitiveness.
Off the field, she's the ultimate professional and a natural leader.
The talented midfielder made the move to Melbourne to prove herself at VFLW level, and she certainly didn’t disappoint.
One of the league’s standout performers in 2021, the North Melbourne captain averaged 24 disposals across 14 games at the level, which included 36 and 34 disposal displays against Port Melbourne and Southern Saints.
All made even more impressive by the fact that it was Kiely’s debut season in the league.
"Over COVID-19 (in 2020) I put a lot of time into running and working on my weaknesses football-wise. During the pre-season I did some work with some of the coaching staff at North and really tuned up my game," she said.
"Having access to those facilities and playing against a high calibre of players has really benefitted me in the last 12 months.
"It was an absolute privilege to lead the girls out each week, leadership is definitely something I’m passionate about and I love to help the young girls where I can.
"Having a little bit more experience than some of the other draftees ,I'll be able to help them along the way as well."
Eight years after she first picked up a football as an 18-year-old university student in Launceston, Kiely is more than ready to be taking the next step in her football career.
"It’s very exciting to finally take the next step up and be an AFLW player. It’s been a long process but hopefully I’m better off for it," she said.
"I’m really looking forward to getting started in the coming weeks."
