Jess Duffin’s talent across multiple codes has caused a juggling act of sorts for the dual sportswoman.
The 29-year-old won’t be donning the royal blue and white stripes on Saturday morning when the North Melbourne Tasmania Kangaroos take part in their first official practice match against Melbourne at Casey Fields.
Duffin will instead be interstate, competing in cricket, as the Melbourne Renegades take part in a WBBL semi-final against the Sydney Sixers.
Despite the apparent scheduling conflict, Duffin reflects on her busy year with great pride.
“It’s pretty special,” Duffin told The Age.
“It’s been a pretty emotional year, because we’ve kind of won a few, lost a few, we weren’t sure if we were going to make it [the finals], and obviously when we beat the Hurricanes we were all pretty relieved.
“We’re just looking forward to getting out there against the Sixers and we’ll give it a real crack.”
After making 39 runs last weekend, Duffin hopes to continue making an impact in her remaining games as a cricketer, before transitioning to footy ahead of North’s foray into the expanded AFLW competition next month.
“I’m hitting them all right at the moment,” she added.
“I’m hoping that will lead into the finals, and I can help get the team through to the big game.”
Duffin is coming off a stellar 2018 campaign, filling several roles across the ground for both Collingwood in AFLW and Williamstown in the VFLW.
The accomplished ball-winner spent two seasons with the Magpies, averaging 13 touches per game in 2018, leading to selection in the All-Australian squad.
Duffin validated her reputation as a genuine ball-winner, with her form carrying over in the state competition, lifting the Lambert-Pearce Medal, as the league’s best and fairest player.
Moreover, Duffin was also named captain of the 2018 VFLW Team of the Year.
AFLW: Duffin’s dual
Jess Duffin’s talent across multiple codes has caused a juggling act of sorts for the dual sportswoman.