There was a brief moment of confusion in the Megan Kauffman household during the NAB AFLW Draft, when Kauffman’s name was called the instant the TV chose to freeze.
A former US College tennis player who rose as high as no.9 in the NCAA doubles rankings, Kauffman has followed a similar path to Janelle Cuthbertson by successfully making the transition from tennis to an AFLW list by being drafted by Fremantle at no.77.
The 25-year-old has had a rapid rise in football, spending just one year in amateur footy before earning her chance at the draft after impressing as a forward and inside midfielder at Wembley Amateurs.
“It’s surreal, honestly. It’s amazing and an absolute honour. I’m very shocked but happy!” Kauffman said.
“It was more of a hopeful inkling that I would get drafted. I wasn’t too sure, I was just going to wait and see and had my fingers crossed.”
While Kauffman is yet to meet Cuthbertson, she’s followed her AFLW career closely due to their similar pathways.
“I’ve been watching her play. I didn’t know her personally playing tennis, because she was a few years older than me but definitely seeing her play and then be able to go from tennis to footy, I thought that maybe I had a shot as well. It will be cool to play alongside her,” Kauffman said.
“I’ll be looking to learn from Janelle and all of the girls that have been playing. They’re all phenomenal players and I can’t wait.”
While the frozen TV added some confusion to her draft experience, the biggest shock was when an AFLW Best and Fairest winner came knocking on the door to present her jumper.
“There were some squeals and screams. The TV froze right after my name was called! I heard my name and that was it. I was really excited and it was great to be here with friends and family,” Kauffman said.
“It quite a shock to have Turbo (Kiara Bowers) show up with the jumper, which was awesome. It was amazing.”
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
