THREE former EDFL Juniors are now AFLW players.
In what was a wonderful result for the EDFL, Isabel Huntington (Melbourne Uni), Monique Conti (Essendon Doutta Stars, Melbourne Uni & Aberfeldie) and Sarah Dargan (Pascoe Vale) were all selected within the top 20 picks in Wednesday's AFLW Draft.
Conti was snapped up at pick four by the Western Bulldogs and cannot wait to get started in red, white and blue.
“I’m very excited and definitely just privileged to be able to get drafted and pretty excited to play with the Bulldogs,” Conti told essendondfl.com.au.
“They’re a very good club and very close to home, so that’s very convenient for me and I’ve heard nothing but good things about the club, so can’t wait.”
As was the case at EDFL level with Melbourne Uni in 2014, the gun 17-year-old will join forces with Isabel Huntington – taken with the first pick by the Bulldogs.
“She’s just great to play with and it’s super-exciting to be able to play with her again at an AFLW club,” Conti said.
“It should be a really good experience.”
Meanwhile Pascoe Vale’s Sarah Dargan is still coming to terms with being an AFLW player.
The 18-year-old was not expecting to be picked up in Wednesday’s draft and now finds herself at Collingwood alongside fellow former EDFL Junior – Moana Hope.
“I am very shocked, emotional and overwhelmed,” Dargan said.
“I was not expecting to get drafted.
“A lot of people thought I might get rookied or maybe go next year, but to get drafted at pick 20 – I was very shocked and didn’t expect it at all.
“I’m am so excited. I know how big the club is and that’s why it’s so overwhelming.”
Dargan played her first two years of footy with Strathmore but made a name for herself at Raeburn Reserve – where she established herself as one of the finest talents to come out of the EDFL.
She twice won EDFL Youth Girls B&F Medals and this year played two games with the Panthers in the WRFL/EDFL Women’s Competition.
“Pacco’s definitely been a massive support,” Dargan said.
“They’ve always pushed me to get the best out of myself.
“It’s just all the support and encouragement they’ve given me.
“I’m at home when I’m at Pacco.”
The AFLW Rookie Draft is this Friday at 12pm.
