There’s no coincidence that in back-to-back seasons, Fremantle have taken a mature aged defender from Claremont who originally hailed from West Coast amateurs.
Selected at no.27 in the 2022 NAB AFLW Draft, Madi Scanlon joins Jess Low at Fremantle after using Low’s journey as inspiration when taking up the game three seasons ago.
Outside of two years of playing Auskick at the age of five, Scanlon had limited footy experience when she walked into the West Coast amateurs at 18.
The 20-year-old said that watching Low rise through the ranks has been a motivator and now sees Low as one of her closest friends after they bonded in their time at Claremont.
Scanlon was also at the Claremont Football Club when she found out the news, getting ready for a Wednesday night training session ahead of their WAFLW Grand Final against East Fremantle on Saturday.
“Getting drafted is the best feeling in the world, I’m so elated right now,” Scanlon said.
“It felt like a regular Wednesday training night, except we had the projector going watching the draft. I was watching it a bit nervously but didn’t expect much. Next minute my name was called out. I couldn’t believe it! I’m so excited, it’s just the best news ever.
“We had the WAFLW awards night on Monday, today was the draft, Saturday is the Grand Final. If we can go on and win the Grand Final as well, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to top this week in my life. It’s just been so much fun and I’m so grateful to be here right now.”
Low was drafted to Fremantle at no.52 in 2021 and shone in her debut season, playing every game, winning the Best First-Year Player award and finishing 10th in the Fairest and Best Count.
Scanlon said she would be thrilled if she can continue in Low’s trajectory.
“I’ve essentially followed in her footsteps but a year behind,” Scanlon said.
“I eventually became friends with her and I’ve always looked up to her, even though she’s one of my best mates now. I admire everything she does, her work ethic, her enthusiasm for footy. She’s been such a role model to help me get to where I’m at today.”
Scanlon admitted she had already dreamt of joining Low at Fremantle.
“Jess lives in the middle of our friendship group and we all go to her house on Sunday arvo and watch whatever footy game is on TV. We have a good yarn as we’re all busy with our different clubs that we play at,” Scanlon said.
“It’s just so good to catch up and we’ve been talking for the last couple of weeks what would happen if I came to Freo - we’ve already organised ride shares and everything. I’m so ready and she’s so great.”
While Low impressed in her debut season, Scanlon just hopes she can earn her AFLW debut.
“I’d love to get a game, that’s the goal after meeting everyone and forming trust with my new teammates,” Scanlon said.
“I just want to make sure that they trust me and know that I’m going to play my role out there.
“If I can get a few games and start to solidify my place in the team and be that running half back that they’re looking for, that would be so cool.”
Draft pick 27 - Madi Scanlon
Draft pick 59 - Tara Stribley
Draft pick 77 - Megan Kauffman
Draft pick 83 - Amy Mulholland
Draft pick 85 - Tahlia Read
