AS a passionate Carlton supporter, it was a strange feeling for Georgia Patrikios to don the sash for Essendon’s AFLW bid.
But she is ecstatic about shattering the AFLW glass ceiling, and is happy to support both teams in her journey to the top.
This isn’t the only time that Patrikios has worn a red and black jumper though.
After many years playing with the boys, she pulled on a Pascoe Vale jumper and ran onto the field in her first all-female team.
“One of my best friends, Georgia Marsland, played there and she told me to come down once I finished up with the boys,” Patrikios said.
“I love the club because it’s such a great environment.”
Since she was five, footy has been a big part of Patrikios’ life.
“I used to play footy with my brother at the park,” she said.
“It’s been in my family and it’s just something I enjoy doing.”
But her career really started to reach new heights upon her arrival at Pascoe Vale.
At the Panthers, she was able to settle into an environment conducive to an excellent standard of football.
But an excellent standard of football is only achievable with excellent players, and there was one player who changed her career for the better.
“Playing with girls like Sarah Dargan has put more confidence into me,” Patrikios said.
“She’s a great leader and has lot of experience.”
“She’s just helped me improve myself and become stronger within myself.”
After many years of playing together in the red sash, the girls now have the honour of playing together in the Big V.
Not only does she get to play with long-time friend, Sarah Dargan, but Patrikios also has the opportunity to shine in the Vic Metro team.
“It’s an unreal experience for me,” she said.
“I knew I could do it but I wasn’t too sure what they were looking for, so I was just glad that I got chosen.”
Unfortunately, Vic Metro experienced their first ever loss to Vic Country last week, but the 16-year-old is confident that the side can bounce back.
“We’ve just got to learn from our mistakes and just continue to work hard and train hard,” she said.
But the news got better for the 16-year-old, as she added the accolade of being an ambassador of Essendon’s AFLW bid to her decorated career.
Patrikios’ mother received a call from the Essendon Football Club one day, requesting the use of her daughter as the face of their AFLW campaign.
The 16-year-old is not only the ambassador of a new team, but she is also the face of a new chapter in Essendon’s history.
After a few photo shoots and meeting Michaela Long (son of Michael), Patrikios felt right at home, and also felt her AFLW dream coming true.
