It was a moment that caught open age recruit, Taylor Mesiti, completely off-guard.
“I was gobsmacked,” she revealed to North Media.
Her emotion impossible to contain upon learning the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos had just put a contract on the table.
“I was completely blindsided, but so excited. And of course, I said I would take the opportunity,” she said.
“North contacted me and it was pretty unexpected. I didn’t know I was even on their radar and then I had a meeting and am so excited."
From a basketball background, Mesiti always had an interest in footy.
“Footy has always caught my eye, and I played it as a kid, but back then it wasn’t really an option.”
First playing footy for the VU Western Spurs, then the St Kilda Sharks, and this year the Casey Demons, Mesiti has had some experience, but nothing will compare to the AFLW.
“My adjustment from basketball to footy is going really well,” she said.
“I still have moments where I think I can’t physically go in because I’m so used to backing off ... but it’s going really well and I can’t wait to get going into footy full on.
“I’ve never had an opportunity like this before, so I’m just excited to take it in and make the most of it.”
“I was gobsmacked,” she revealed to North Media.
Her emotion impossible to contain upon learning the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos had just put a contract on the table.
“I was completely blindsided, but so excited. And of course, I said I would take the opportunity,” she said.
“North contacted me and it was pretty unexpected. I didn’t know I was even on their radar and then I had a meeting and am so excited."
From a basketball background, Mesiti always had an interest in footy.
“Footy has always caught my eye, and I played it as a kid, but back then it wasn’t really an option.”
First playing footy for the VU Western Spurs, then the St Kilda Sharks, and this year the Casey Demons, Mesiti has had some experience, but nothing will compare to the AFLW.
“My adjustment from basketball to footy is going really well,” she said.
“I still have moments where I think I can’t physically go in because I’m so used to backing off ... but it’s going really well and I can’t wait to get going into footy full on.
“I’ve never had an opportunity like this before, so I’m just excited to take it in and make the most of it.”
Taylor Mesiti (Casey Demons)
175cm - Defender/Forward
Open Age Recruit
Mesiti has the speed and strength to allow her to impact the game both in the air and at ground level.
“At 175cm we feel she’s shown really good form at both ends of the ground this season, with her movement and marking allowing her to play multiple roles,” North's AFLW List Manager Rhys Harwood said.
Mesiti’s versatility a huge advantage.
“She will add to both our immediate and long term stocks at either end, which was certainly something we were mindful of in this pre-draft period.”
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