Richmond AFLW draftee Ingrid Houtsma has "always had a footy in (her) hands".

The 17-year-old first started playing competitively when she was 13, but prior to that, was constantly kicking the footy around with her brothers. 

Surrounded by her loved ones on draft night last Tuesday when she was taken by the Tigers with their fourth selection (pick No. 50), the 176cm talent said the moment was "unreal". 

"I couldn't believe it. I actually laid down on the floor and says 'is this real'," she said.

"(I) never really thought this could even be possible, so I'm just so happy.

"I was told by my Geelong Falcon's manager Tom Lonergan to hope for the best, but expect the worst.

"So, I just tried to have that attitude. I wasn't certain on anything, but I was just trying to have a positive attitude the whole night."

A move to Melbourne now awaits the tall winger, who grew up in the Geelong where she played for the Geelong Falcons, Geelong Amateurs and Vic Country.

Houstma featured in eight games for the Falcons this year, averaging 12 disposals and four tackles per game.

With speed, agility and significant upside, the sky's the limit for the motivated Tiger.

"Every year I've only gotten better developing my footy so I'm just excited to see how far I can take it this year and hopefully in the following years as well," she said.

"I love to run on the wing, so that's where I'm going to hope (to play) this year."