Charli Conway knew from a young age that she would be a Raider.
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The daughter of Raiders' games record holder Nic Conway has many fond memories at Birallee Park.
"I was basically born into the club," she said.
"It was always Raiders."
Now 18, Conway is coming off the back of her first A-grade season.
The defender's ability to read the play and position herself in the ring has resulted in her being one of five nominees for this year's Ovens and Murray League Rising Star Award.
Conway played her first A-grade game during the 2019 season, after starting out in under-16s.
This season has seen her become an integral part of the Raiders' defensive line-up.
"I learnt a lot from all of the girls, especially our captains Brooke Pryse and Shaylah House," she said.
"Brooke's an amazing defender and she taught me heaps in the circle.
"I started in the midcourt in under-16s but I got really tall, so I found myself in defence.
"I'm pretty lanky, so that helps me a little bit."
While she's now met some of the best goalers in the competition, Conway said she's enjoyed the challenge.
"Most of them are pretty amazing and it's a huge step up," she said.
"I think playing on better shooters makes me better as a defender.
"I have to pick up my game every week, so it's good to play more experienced players."
Conway has previously played both representative netball and basketball.
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She also played her junior years in the Tallangatta and District League with Mitta United, where both of her parents played.
While she remains passionate about netball, Conway hopes to study fashion at university.
The O and M hopes to announce the winner of the 2021 Rising Star Award at the Morris Medal, with a date yet to be announced.
With her dad playing over 300 senior matches at the club, Conway has aspirations to one day break his record.
"That's the plan," she said.
"I'm not sure if I'll beat it though."
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