As we enter our second season of the AFLW, and prepare for the 2023 AFLW season, we bring you our new series On the mark, presented by Bing Lee where we meet our AFLW team and find out what makes them tick.

Stay tuned to sydneyswans.com.au/aflw for all the latest interviews and AFLW news.

Defender Eliza Vale says her greatest strength is empathy. But when she was offered a contract with the Sydney Swans AFLW side in 2022, she didn’t expect to get quite so emotional.  

Vale has played Aussie Rules since she was five and it wasn’t until 17 that she realised it could offer her a career. Vale admits she can get caught in the grind, but as the 22-year-old comes up for air ahead of the 2023 season she’s relishing in this current phase of her life.  

At what point did you realise you could take your passion for AFL into a professional career? 

“I think it was quite late, I’ve played footy since I was five. When I was 16 or 17 I saw some girls getting drafted and I thought I was one step below them. I thought it shouldn’t take me long to develop my skills a bit more and play AFLW myself.” 

Who do you credit for your success? 

“There are quite a few people, but my family is probably number one because of the foundations I had growing up. Like having a kick of the footy at the park. There’s been so many people come and some great coaches along the way.” 

What life lesson did you learn the hard way? 

“Last year I had a bit of bone stress, and I didn’t realise the importance of really fuelling for your sessions. That change in diet from an average person to an athlete. I’ve really picked up my fuelling this year and getting my protein and carbs right.” 

Can you recall the most defining moment of your life so far?  

“When I left the meeting with Kate (Mahony) and Scott (Gowans) and they offered me a contract. Mum took me home and I FaceTimed all my siblings. That was such a lovely moment. I got quite emotional and didn’t think I would.

You focus on the conversation and then you get out and you think, ‘Oh my god it’s happening.’

If you weren’t playing AFL, what do you think you’d be doing? 

“Working in the sports space in some capacity. I just love sports so having a part time job helping out with a footy club.” 

What are you most grateful for?  

“The opportunity. You can get caught down in the grind, but I’ve realised it’s something I’ve wanted for so long and appreciating that. I’m grateful for this phase of life I’m in because everything is perfect.” 

What is your most controversial opinion? 

“I’m not sure if it’s controversial, but pineapple on pizza and pineapple on burgers. I’m an avid fan.” 

Whether you’re preparing for training or a match, do you have any superstitions or things you must do beforehand? 

“Not really, I’m pretty chill.” 

In your own opinion, what are your greatest strengths? 

“I think I’m a pretty empathetic person so I’ve got great insight on myself but I can also relate to others. In football I’d say being able to read the play.” 

Who is your sports hero? 

“There’s probably many of them. The likes of Cathy Freeman, Ash Barty. A lot of female role models. Those two come to mind – they give you goosebumps.” 

This profile series is presented by Bing Lee.

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