Star Fremantle draftee Roxy Roux has earned a NAB AFLW Rising Star nomination after an outstanding start to her AFLW career.
The exciting forward was one of the standouts with two goals in Fremantle’s 45-point win in the RAC Derby on Saturday at Optus Stadium.
It’s Roux’s second award nomination this week, after being shortlisted for the AFLW Mark of the Year after her high-flying grab in the second quarter against the Eagles.
The 18-year-old has earned a $500 prize from NAB and a $2000 development grant for the Dongara Junior Football Club where she first picked up the game.
Roux was thrilled to have the chance to give back to her junior club, who fought against a ruling that initially prevented her from playing football due to her gender.
“It feels great. I honestly never thought it would happen and it’s a real surprise that it’s happened by round two, so I’m really happy with it,” Roux said.
“Dongara gave their all to me and supported me through my years of footballing. They really got behind me and when I had to move to Perth they were so supportive.
“Being able to give them back something is really special, because they gave me so much, as did the whole Dongara community.”
Roux thrived on the big stage in the RAC Derby and was far from overawed playing in front of the 35,158 fans in attendance.
“The Freo fans were great, especially standing in the square and hearing them call out,” Roux said.
“Having that support there from both Freo and West Coast, just getting around female footy to be honest. Everyone loved it and I hope they all get around the other games too.”
She credited her fellow forwards, who call each other the ‘bubs’, for keeping everything relaxed both on the field and at training.
“It’s been so much fun, especially with the ‘bubs’ I couldn’t ask for a better line to be put in,” Roux said.
“We just have so much fun down there and the team is always really encouraging. We all get around each other and it’s a really great environment.”
With the excitement of the derby behind them, Roux said she was looking ahead to Saturday’s clash against Collingwood, which features the top-two teams in Conference B.
“It’s been great to get past the derby and all the hype and expectations,” Roux said.
“We came through, we’re really happy with the win and we’re looking for bigger and better things in the weeks to come.”
