It was third time lucky for the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos’ newest signing, Jess Trend.
After suffering a serious knee injury two years ago, she was overlooked in the draft and missed out again in 2017.
The hard-nosed midfielder telling North Media she’d almost lost hope of becoming an AFLW star.
“Unfortunately I did my ACL in 2016, just before the first draft, so that was pretty heartbreaking,” Trend said.
“I saw all my mates achieve what we always wanted to be . . . AFL footballers, so that was a bit of a kick in the guts.
“But last year was probably the worst moment in that second draft, I think that’s the moment I thought, “Oh maybe it’s just not my timing and it’s never going to happen for me so I’ll just aim for VFL”, which is another huge honour.”
Despite the setbacks and the doubts she had, Trend never gave up and on Tuesday, she received a call that she’s feels she’d been waiting a lifetime for; an AFLW contract.
“I’m actually so thrilled,” North’s latest open-age signing said.
“I can’t even wipe the smile off my face and I’m still actually gathering that I’m actually part of the North Melbourne Football Club, so it’s unreal.
“I’m still a little bit numb.”
Trend says focusing purely on the game enabled her to take her performances to new heights.
“I honestly put the draft behind me this year and just played footy,” she added.
As result of her hard-work and persistence resulted in her being added to Essendon’s VFLW leadership group.
“It was an absolute honour for me,” she said.
“I knew there was a lot of young players coming in so I really wanted to put down my teaching experience and just be a positive role model.
“I’ve learnt how to interact with my other players but also, what I need to do on the field to be a great role model but also off the field as well and making that sure you’re always putting in that effort and being that role model that they can look up to.”
Jess Trend (Essendon VFLW)
163cm - Midfielder/Defender
Open Age Recruit
With a wealth of footy experience, Trend is sure to be a threat with her knowledge, form and speed.
“Trend has put together a really solid season for Essendon in the VFLW, with her form in the back half of the year really impressing us,” North's AFLW List Manager Rhys Harwood said.
“She has performed in all areas on the ground at different stages of the season, and has been particularly impressive off a wing and across half-back given the way she moves across the ground.
“Combined with some real speed, Jess is strong overhead, generally quite robust for her size, and makes good decisions with ball-in-hand.
“We envisage Jess being able to compete at AFLW level quickly and think her attributes really suit the way we want to play.”
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