For Carlton midfielder Katie Grieve, the chance to play for one of the country’s biggest football clubs is a dream come true.
Grieve made her debut for Carlton’s Women’s Australian Football League side in its 22-point loss to Brisbane Lions in round three last month.
She made three disposals, two kicks, two touches and a handball during the clash.
Since then, the side has taken on the Western Bulldogs, Adelaide Crows and Melbourne.
Carlton sits eighth on the WAFL ladder after six rounds, with two wins and four losses.
While going through the transition between Bunbury and Carlton, Grieve was supported by everyone around her.
“The girls have helped me and the coaching staff have taught me a lot about the game,” Grieve said.
“I am just doing what I love, so I am happy.
“It’s a very physical game, and a lot of the girls put their bodies on the line so it’s very intense.
“It is so exciting – it’s so good to be there, to be part of it, and be part of a great club.”
Grieve will return to Western Australia for her side’s clash with Fremantle at Fremantle Oval on Saturday, March 17.
“I am excited to get back to WA and play over there,” Grieve said.
“Hopefully it’ll get a good crowd to support Carlton and I think the game will go really well.”
The former South Bunbury and South West Landmark player was selected by the Blues with pick number 12 in last year’s WAFL rookie draft.
“Being picked for Carlton was a really exciting opportunity,” Grieve said.
“It was a bit surreal at the start and it means a lot to be picked by that club.
“I knew it was going to be a massive change from the South West Football league to the WAFL, but I have been supported along the way by the club and the girls around me.”
Grieve played her first year of competition football for South Bunbury in 2017, notching up nine goals and 40 best on ground points overall.
She finished second in last year’s Best and Fairest Count and was selected for the South West Football League Women’s Inaugural All Stars squad.
Last year marked SWFL’s first women’s competition.
Grieve praised SWFL and WAFL for providing opportunities for her and women across Australia.
“It’s such a good feeling to represent a club and put on the navy blue,” she said.
“I hope I inspire some young girls also.”
Check out carltonfc.com.au to track Grieve and the team’s progress throughout the remainder of 2018’s WAFL season.
