Fremantle have named their first debutant for Season 7 with Megan Kauffman to run out in round one against Brisbane at the Gabba on Sunday.
The 25-year-old has had enjoyed a rapid growth in her football career, spending just one year in amateur footy before earning her chance at the draft after impressing as an inside midfielder at Wembley Amateurs.
It’s a remarkable rise for the former US College tennis player who has followed a similar path to Janelle Cuthbertson by successfully making the transition from tennis to an AFLW list - drafted by Fremantle at pick no.77 in the recent NAB AFLW Draft.
Kauffman has been the standout over Fremantle’s two pre-season matches, being the sole goalkicker across both of Freo’s games against Richmond and West Coast over the past few weeks.
After playing her home games for Wembley at Pat Goodridge Reserve in Jolimont last year, Kauffman will run out on one of the biggest stages in the country for her AFLW debut.
“I’m super excited. It’s been a whirlwind of emotions,” Kauffman said.
“The opportunity to play at the Gabba - I’m going to soak it all in and enjoy the weekend, do my best and put my best foot forward.
“I’m still reflecting on just getting drafted and those emotions. So to now debut, I’m just super excited and honoured to be in the position that I am.
“The girls have been awesome in getting around me. They’re just a great group and I think being around them and this kind of environment has definitely helped me to be where I am.”
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Draft pick 77 - Megan Kauffman
While there are few similarities in tennis and football, both Kauffman and Cuthbertson have impressed in adapting to their new sports.
Kauffman said having the experience of playing a sport at the elite level had prepared her well for an AFLW environment.
“I’m really proud of how I’ve approached it and been able to train this pre-season,” Kauffman said.
“It helps a lot coming in and having had experience from tennis and college tennis, which was a semi-professional environment.
“The expectations weren’t as new to me and it was just the football side of things that was new. I think that helped me a lot to put me in the position that I am.”
