Wodonga’s Julia Harvey is on the brink of achieving her dream of playing in the AFLW.
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The pacy small forward hopes she’s done enough to be picked up at Tuesday’s AFL Women’s Draft at Marvel Stadium.
Harvey, 18, recalled telling her parents as a child she was going to be the first woman to play AFL.
But never could she have imagined it may soon be a reality.
“I didn’t really have the opportunity to play footy locally when I was little,” Harvey said.
“I begged mum and dad to play Auskick, but girls didn’t play Auskick 10 years ago.
“I would have been the only girl and they were probably worried about me getting hurt.
“Basketball was my sport and I really enjoyed it, but ever since I’ve had the opportunity to play footy, I’ve tried to make the most of it.”
Harvey went on to represent Victoria Country at the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup and has played for the Wodonga Lady Wolves in the CBL.
This year, her breakout season with the Murray Bushrangers led to Victoria Country selection for the AFLW National Championships on the Gold Coast.
She kicked two goals in the opening game at Metricon Stadium, but was hampered by a foot injury and was forced to sit out the final match of the week.
It will be a nervous wait between now and Tuesday.
“It’s kind of a double-edge sword, I want to be excited but there’s always the possibility I might not get drafted,” Harvey said.
“I haven’t really got any indication at all what will be happening next Tuesday.
“I’ve had some conversations, but I’ve got no idea what will happen.
“I was sitting down with mum the other day thinking I’m about to finish year 12 and there’s so many things I can reflect on.
“I can say I’ve played at some of the biggest stadiums in Australia and went to the draft combine and got to have a run around at Etihad (Marvel Stadium) as well.
“I wanted to prove everyone wrong and that opportunity is there for me now.
“It really would be a dream come true, it would make all the effort and work I’ve put in worth it.”
She admitted getting an invitation to the draft combine was an experience in itself.
“Getting to see so many clubs all in the one place and spotting every AFLW coach sitting in the grandstand was something I’ll never forget,” Harvey said.
Bushrangers’ female talent manager Briana Cossar said there has also been interest shown in Rebecca Webster, Tamara Smith, Grace Egan and Sophie Damon.
Harvey will miss her last day of school at Catholic College Wodonga to attend the draft.
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