Talented Hay sportswoman Jodie Hicks is set to feature in the second instalment of the AFL Women’s (AFLW) competition after being picked up by Greater Western Sydney (GWS) on Wednesday.
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Having already won a Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) title at just 20, Hicks will now take centre stage in the emerging AFLW early next year.
Hicks was a first round selection with the Giants taking her with selection five in the AFLW Draft in Melbourne.
Unfortunately fellow Riverina footballers Clare Lawton and Ellie Dalgarno-Fixter missed out, but will get a second chance in Friday’s Rookie Draft.
Rheanne Lugg, who played seven games for Riverina Lions this year, was picked up by reigning premiers Adelaide Crows.
Hicks, who represented Southern NSW in Wagga in May, said it was a childhoom dream come true to be picked up by an AFL club.
“Yeah it definitely is, especially because I had to play with the boys when I was a bit younger but I don’t think that disadvantaged me at all so I’m really excited to showcase what I’ve got,” Hicks said.
“Like a childhood dream. It’s really exciting.”
New GWS Giants women’s coach Alan McConnell believes Hicks will be a great pick up for the club.
“We’re excited to see what Jodie can do too,” McConnell said.
“She’s pretty strong over the ball, like a lot of other dual sport athletes, she makes good decisions, distributes the ball really well, good skills and I think she will really add to the quality of our list.”
Hicks is a product of the NSW-ACT Youth Girls talent pathway program.
She starred for NSW-ACT at this year’s Youth Girls nationals and has twice been named in the under 18 All Australian team.
Hicks came through the ranks at Riverina Lions but moved to Belconnen this year, where she kicked 40 goals from 16 games.
Earlier this year she was apart of the Sydney Sixers team that won the WBBL.
The Lions had another success story in Lugg, who hails from Western Australia but played here this year due to a move in the Army.