The other positive is that if it's the exact same two clubs, they're appealing to fans who support AFL or AFLW and allowing them to experience the other for their chosen club. The onballing midfielder's football progression has been archetypal: she began with Auskick as a 4-year-old, and, long before facing up against the likes of Kearney, Prespakis was matching her male counterparts with her local side in Romsey, in Melbourne's north-west. They were a little quiet against North but they should outclass the Saints all over the ground. "Weve waited since I was four-years old to do this seeing them rock up in their Carlton gear, knowing theyre on the sidelines, really helped," she says. Would you be tempted to mention how excited, or nervous, you are to play against them? I dont reckon I slept that night after the game. If your professional sporting debut was against one of your idols, just months after your 18th birthday, what would you do? Conversely, Fremantle look unlikely to nab their first win of the season, while Hawthorn and the Swans will both have fantastic opportunities to create a bit of history and earn their first wins when they take on the also winless Richmond and GWS respectively. Super fan Ed had an EPIC day meeting some of his favourite players and visiting their HQ. Maddy recalled fondly, telling the boys she wanted to play footy professionally just like they did when she was a child. Maddy was taken as pick three by Carlton in her debut season. I never thought this would happen, she said. We both left on Thursday morning to go to training and said good luck to each other, then I get to training and she called me saying were playing against each other!, We knew we werent scheduled to play against each other in the home-and-away season, so to do it last minute is awesome.. #WhatAbilityAthlete #HappinessComeFirst Is it Carlton's year? I first met Maddy Prespakis when we were both involved with the Calder Cannons in the formerly known TAC Cup. They'll have both Tamara Luke and Lou Stephenson out with injury which is a big blow to the experience in their side. JR: This may be tough but I'm putting the heat on Port Adelaide. There wouldnt have been two more excited people when the fixture announcement came through that Carlton would head down the highway to take on Geelong, instead of clashes with Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs respectively. But the team thats gone through and put the list together has been really bullish about wanting to make an impact from the start and being able to do that with some experience and some good kids coming through. (1:30). She said shes learnt so much about her teammates lives, inside and outside footy - impressed with how they manage to balance both. Probably going to expect a few boos and maybe a few of them are going to want to tackle me a bit harder but thats part of footy and I embrace every part of it, every challenge that comes with any game. However, this week will prove to be a barometer for the Tigers, who will need to beat the winless Hawks to prove their strength. Gab Pound joined RSN Breakfast to discuss dealing with fixture changes and the challenges presented by COVID. Boasting a Rising-Star award, an All-Australian selection, two Club Best and Fairest awards and a league Best and Fairest award all at the age of 21, it's hard not to focus on Prespakis' already illustrious career. Follow. She's averaging 24 disposals a game this season, with the next highest in the side Steph Cain at 14, There's also the comparison of who in the league would overtake her, but after the second highest number of possessions in AFLW history this weekend, it will be hard to look past her if she continues on this trajectory. Michael Voss wraps up the pre-season with the key learnings he's taken out of the blocks. I just like to play my footy and enjoy it. Something that I worked on and I know now is that I need to physically prepare myself really well but also mentally prepare myself.. But I look at that as an honour.". To find out more about Maddy, click here. Prespakis said she needed a change and the move to Essendon has been refreshing. Prespakis has an impressive resume, including . Blues celebrate a special night at the Hall of Fame. JR: It's hard to gauge with all the expansion clubs entering the league but Bonnie Toogood has stood out to me so far as a leader at Essendon. Im sure its a day well never forget., Prespakis Cup: secured ?#AFLWCatsBlues pic.twitter.com/qZeyZNFICn. The 19-year-old also spoke about her teammates, explaining how in awe she is of their hard work on and off the field. #WhatAbility #HappinessComesFirst #QLD The 21-year-old will also be joined at the Bombers by Blues teammate Georgia Gee as clubs take an aggressive approach to landing new talent with Essendon joining Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and Sydney in entering the competition. Keep your eyes pealed for incoming content SB: Richmond to beat Carlton. It just changes the jumper were wearing. Start your free trial now >. It doesnt really phase me to be honest.. Risk of speaking out in womens sport, Angie Kents quiet romance with AFLW star. One issue is the doubleheaders being forced to start so early on a weeknight. View All Partners. - , Carlton AFL (AFLW). The midfielder is getting used to the scrutiny that comes with being one of the AFLWs biggest stars but prefers to block out commentary and just focus on her footy. At just 19 years old, Maddy Prespakis has had a career most people can only dream about. She is undoubtedly one to watch, as she looks to lead Essendon to their debut finals series. At the age of four, she started playing Auskick - for the fun, social reasons that people join team sports as a child. Chris Judd spoke to Carlton Media following his induction into the Carlton Hall of Fame. She led from the front in an inexperienced team earning her third All Australian selection. Clubs remain concerned about the player pool with 18 clubs in the competition for the first time, with players with long-term injuries unavailable and emerging talent completing year 12. (2:02). Having never beaten Carlton before, Richmond are on a roll having won five in a row. Quiver from nerves? The young woman didnt think it would be possible - but then the AFLW came into place, so she put her best foot forward. Tidlig liv. However the reality is that some of the offers being made in regards to player movement this off-season are very significant. On the flip side I'm tipping another win for Melbourne to stay undefeated this weekend. SB: The Hawks will likely remain winless, against a much-improved Richmond who will be desperate for their first win. What they said: Harford happy with Round 2 response. Maddy Prespakis - Essendon FC We are SO excited to announce AFLW midfielder Maddy Prespakis has signed on as The former Blue is a tough operator in midfield, averaging 20.4 disposals and kicking 15 goals across her 34 games for Carlton. Fresh off of last weeks NAB AFLW Rising Star nomination, Georgie Prespakis was one of her sides best, finishing with 15 disposals and four clearances. Merrett spoke the words Prespakis had wanted to hear. The other issue of course, is that many of the players work outside of footy to subsidise the salary they get from playing AFLW, so it's a hurdle for them to get there in time, too. Im trying not to get emotional, but to play against my sister is something Ill be forever grateful for, Prespakis said. Major Partners. The announcement will come during a press conference at 1:30 pm on Wednesday . Parramatta Eels National Rugby League Club. This led me to realising I wanted to help Indigenous boys and girls reach their dreams, she said. Away from the heat of battle, Prespakis is effusive in her praise of the reigning best and fairest. Is it Carlton's year? It doesnt change our friendship. 23:59. It's easy to see Maddy Prespakis' disposal numbers and her passion for the club, but Toogood's presence in the forward line and her work up the ground has been great to watch. #WhatAbilityAthletes, This is what a disability inclusive event looks like! Sarah Burt and Marissa Lordanic debate whether scheduling AFLW matches before men's matches is worthwhile given the high ticket prices, poor scheduling and other factors. Yet up until the day of last year's 2018 draft, there was every chance Prespakis would don the hoops of Geelong rather than the blue of Carlton. Guelfi delves into the painful . Blues celebrate a special night at the Hall of Fame. "I never put myself out there as much, I dont like to be the face of anything. Just a bit of a hip and shoulder," says Carlton's No.3 draft pick, Maddy Prespakis, of her on-field greeting to North Melbourne captain Emma Kearney last weekend. Watch the Blues celebrate their Round 2 victory over the Cats, Courtney Jones kicks a goal after a Geelong turnover deep in defence, Nicola Stevens receives the perfect pass from Courtney Jones and finishes off with a running goal, Elise O'Dea makes use of a rare opportunity. Sarah Burt: Yes.Unlike the men's game, in the Women's game there is more contested ball and stoppages which means . ML: It's hard to go past Maddy Prespakis' immediate impact for the Bombers. Round Table: What was the moment of the AFLW Grand Final? I see it as not just a game but something I love.. The AFL itself called it arguably the greatest debut season of all time. After a torrid 36-point loss against the Kangaroos where Carlton coach Daniel Harford said his side was "comprehensively mauled", debuting midfielder Prespakis was a shining light for the Blues with 13 disposals and subsequent selection in round one's AFLW team of the week. "Once I saw girls that I knew and had played with be drafted in that first year, thats when I knew I could really have a chance.". Jesse Robinson: I think she can, but I don't think she will. They are all smashing that glass ceiling with their inspiring achievements and relentlessly positive attitudes. A HUGE thank you to AAMI Park and our major partners AAMI, Harvey Norman, Optus, Shaw and Partners and Tyrepower for helping us bring this day to life and create unforgettable moments for people living with a disability! #WhatAbilityDay #HappinessComesFirst The AFL's next big stat revealed? Credit: Supplied. Challenge those gender stereotypes, football has always been a male-dominated sport, but challenge those stereotypes and make what you are doing your own, she said. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter. Unsurprisingly, it was a night which the two of them - particularly Maddy, given the result - wouldnt change for the world. With 2021, I walked away, not disappointed but unsatisfied, Prespakis said. It may not be a win but a little bit of fight will go a long way. The Bombers nailed it with the recruitment of Bonnie Toogood (L) and Maddy Prespakis. Part of the move was to push my boundaries and get out of my comfort zone and I feel like Ive been able to do that at Essendon. Prespakis has three siblings: twin sister Annalea, Georgie and Jimmy; [1] She attended Gisborne Secondary College and supported Essendon growing up. Have the Tigers over-achieved? Conversely, Fremantle look unlikely to nab their first win of the season, while Hawthorn and the Swans will both have fantastic opportunities to create a bit of history and earn their first wins when they take on the also winless Richmond and GWS respectively. Please try again later. Blues star Madison Prespakis is headed to Essendon.AFL Photos The 21-year-old will also be joined at the Bombers by Blues teammate Georgia Gee as clubs take an aggressive approach to landing new talent with Essendon joining Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and Sydney in entering the competition. From a pure looks perspective, Collingwood's effort has elevated their jumper from last season and looks simple but stunning. Prespakis will miss Geelong's following two games against the Western Bulldogs and Essendon, for whom sister Maddy plays. Its awesome. Dylan Buckley is joined by Luke Ball to discuss being an early draft pick, moving from St Kilda to Collingwood, and much more. Those around me saw just how happy I was and how much it meant to me.. Prespakis won the AFLW Best and Fairest award in 2020 and was named in the All Australian team twice during her four seasons with Carlton. AFL 2023 fixture: Five must-watch games in the early rounds, How 'Demon spirit' brings out the best of Tayla Harris, AFL Draft - The top 10 prospects for 2023, AFL Draft 2022 - Every club's draft haul rated. Join us on Saturday, 11 March for a morning tea and What Ability update at our Drummoyne office. Ranking every AFL after-the-siren winning goal since 2000, AFLW as a side hustle: How work, life and everything is impacted, Round 2 Rewind: Injuries continue to detract from the footy. The future is here: McEvoy muses on AFLW quality jump. She is undoubtedly one to watch, as she looks to lead Essendon to their debut finals series. Gold Coast currently sit 9th on the ladder after a 26 point loss to the Kangaroos, and a 33 point win against the West Coast Eagles. I felt as soon as I got the ball I was getting smashed left right and centre, she said. At 21 and under, these athletes show extreme promise for the future of the AFLW and women's sport. Prespakis begynte spille fotball i fire r gammel gjennom Auskick-programmet i Romsey, nord-vest for Melbourne. Published on Prespakis becomes the Club's first ever AFLW player to win the highest individual League award and joins her male counterparts Brownlow medallists Bert Deacon (1947), John James (1961), Gordon Collis (1964), Greg Williams (1994) and Chris Judd (2010) in becoming . Ive got really good people around me that keep me level headed all the time. Historically the best and fairest comes from a stronger performing team and I don't think Essendon are going to have the numbers this season for her to get across the line. #WhatAbility #HappinessComesFirst, Here it is Episode Five of our Athlete series powered by Shaw and Partners, featuring our What Ability Athlete, Bo Abra. Maddy went from the oldest girl in the under 18s to the youngest woman in Carlton. Picture: AFL Photos . Something else to consider is who within Essendon would take votes from her. Jesse Robinson: In short, yes. Blue Abroad's Paul Sebastiani and Swoop Luke get amongst the fans following Carlton's 2023 practice match against Collingwood. The 10 big moments that defined the AFLW season. Hun gikk p Gisborne Secondary College og stttet Essendon som vokste opp. For me, my main focus is to enjoy footy and bring others into the game and make sure my teammates are loving it just as much as me. At the moment Im enjoying it and loving every bit of it. Prespakis je dcerou Damiena a Jodyho. The 2020 AFLW Best & Fairest winner entered the AFLW with a splash. JR: I'll try and go a bit left field here. Its like Oh yeah theyre expansion, you get a lot of leeway in your first year, Prespakis said. 43:16 Sep 7, 2022, 8:38 PM. She acknowledged that it was a disappointing outcome, but also has given the side a place to start for the 2022 season. Carlton President Luke Sayers spoke to the crowd at last night's Hall of Fame event. Jej matka je domorod Australanka z kmene Djadjawurrung.Prespakis m ti sourozence: dvoje Annalea, Georgie a Jimmy. When the game was announced on Thursday, Maddy forecast that she wouldnt be taking it easy on her younger sister, but thats not to say there wasnt a scare in the final term. Prespakis aloitti jalkapallon nelj vuotias kautta Auskick ohjelman Romsey, luoteeseen Melbourne. Watch the latest sport on Channel 7 or stream for free on 7plus >>. However, this week will prove to be a barometer for the Tigers, who will need to beat the winless Hawks to prove their strength. I still talk to a fair few of them everyday and they still keep in contact with me and see me as the same person I was before I left. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. asn ivot. It was clear the occasion of playing against her younger sister got to Maddy Prespakis. It had nothing to do with me moving to the club or anything. "For me, I wouldnt have cared if I went pick 100. From fun times at the park, stand up paddle boarding on the river, to lunch at sushi train to top it off! Finals is definitely on our radar. I then worked in the NGA space at Carlton for a year and really enjoyed that. I suppose theres still a few girls that I did speak to on the phone in terms of my move who were probably disappointed and didnt really want to speak to me after that, she revealed. They won't even be in the same state. They have also come off an arduous season that was affected by COVID-19 after starting in early January. New fans are exposed to the women's game, the players are often in world-class facilities and playing on the biggest stages, and it makes a lot of sense from media and broadcasting perspectives as well. Why St Kilda's second appointment of Ross Lyon is a massive gamble, Every AFL club's trade and free agency period graded. By scheduling the games prior to the men's clashes it means there is likely to be more incidental fans, who may come early and watch the women's game or simply catch the end of it while they wait. SB: Maddy Prespakis moved from Carlton to Essendon and hasn't disappointed the Dons. 14k Followers, 1,352 Following, 312 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from MADDY PRESPAKIS (@maddy_prespakis) maddy_prespakis. When I got told Maddy youre getting a NAB Mini Legend, I had a few tears in my eyes because I was like, What the hell? We are SO excited to announce AFLW midfielder Maddy Prespakis has signed on as one of our #WhatAbilityAthletes powered by Shaw and Partners. Enquire Now. 16:24. Prespakis knows being a club's first draft pick from 2018 brings pressure, but is clear in picking out her favourite of idol Kearney's traits. It's a relatively neutral game at Ikon Park this weekend and they need to win to maintain any hope of making it into finals. Maddy also said the whole experience has allowed her to also learn more about Indigenous culture. Lucky they had a few more long sleeves on the bench to give it to her.. However, a career-high tally for disposals for Maddy proved . I dont really pay attention to maybe who people think I am and all that stuff and the profile I might have. Marissa Lordanic: There are undoubtedly benefits to doubleheaders. I was saying to my younger sister, who hopefully gets drafted at the end of the year, that hearing your name being called out on the draft day is the best moment ever, she said. Patrick Cripps and Harry McKay have been rested for the final 2023 pre-season practice match. Maddy and Georgie Prespakis hail from the Gisborne/Sunbury region but played their representative footy with Vic Metro and Calder Cannons. Marissa Lordanic: We all know Maddy has what it takes to win a best and fairest so I do think it's something she can achieve. I think they're due to have a breakout against the Cats. Just a bit of a hip and shoulder," says Carlton's No.3 draft pick, Maddy Prespakis, of her on-field greeting to North Melbourne captain Emma Kearney last weekend. Essendon som vokste opp March for a year and really enjoyed that fixture changes and the profile I have. To maybe who people think I am and all that stuff and the move Essendon... 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