“I want to go in hard and show that I’m a Shinboner.”
They are words that would be music to the ears of any long-time North supporter.
Shinboner #25, Beth Lynch is set to complete the transformation from cross-code rookie to fully fledged footballer when she makes her AFLW debut on Sunday afternoon.
The talented dual sportswoman will make her first appearance in the royal blue and white stripes after earning selection for the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos’ clash with Melbourne at Casey Fields.
The Round 4 meeting will cap off a remarkable rise for the 21-year-old, who has played only a handful of competitive games since switching to footy after a promising career as a netballer.
“It’s all come together since November and been a bit of whirlwind experience since,” Lynch told North Media.
“If someone told me last September that I’d be making my AFLW debut this year, I wouldn’t have believed them. It wasn’t on my radar, I just started playing footy to see if I liked it.
“When I first gave Kate Sheahan a call to see if I could play footy, I just didn’t think this would happen, as I’d never played before.
“I wanted to come down and give it a chance. It’s surprising to think a year later that all of that has changed.”
Lynch is eager to hit the ground running after successfully returning from a torn quad.
“It’s tough to watch everyone run out onto the ground and play so well, especially when you can’t be out there,” she said.
“I can see that I’m here now and how well all of us as a group have fit in.
“It’s been disappointing to have been injured, but the girls have been doing so well, which has been great to watch. I just knew if I did my rehab right, I’d get my chance to run out as well.
“In that way, I feel like it’s worked out really well. I can’t wait to get out there, wearing the same jumper, and crack in there. ”
Spending time on the track with the likes of skipper Emma Kearney and forward Jas Garner has given Lynch plenty of motivation.
“I watch people like Jas Garner when I’m at training and I’m just amazed,” she said.
“I want to play like that. She’s so composed with the ball in hand and makes something out of nothing.
“I also look at someone like ‘Kearns’ (Kearney), who just cracks in and puts her body on the line. She can just come out of any contest and I want to play like that.”
North AFLW senior coach Scott Gowans said Lynch’s debut would have come earlier, if not for injury.
“She is a super quick athlete and I’m really excited to see how she’s going to play. It shows that the work she’s done pre-Christmas is paying dividends now,” Gowans said.
“We’re excited to see her on Sunday, look to see Beth take the grass and try to beat a few players.”
