It's all getting real for Sarah Rowe down under, as the Ballina woman edges closer to her AFLW bow.
Rowe, who signed a season long contract with footy giants Collingwood for 2019 has been impressing in Melbourne in the run up to the league opener with Geelong on February 2nd.
And despite a seven point defeat to league rivals Western Bulldogs in a practice match on Saturday, coach Wayne Siekman was quick to praise the former GAA and international soccer star.
"She’s got plenty of tricks," said Siekman, adding, "she’s got a great tank, she moves up the ground and gets back, and she got on the end of a couple" after Rowe kicked two goals in the 35-28 reverse.
Siekman also made the admission that the 23 year-old still has more to learn, after a tickling moment during the game that saw the Mayo woman fall foul of the Aussie Rules...rules!
Seemingly, the ball becomes dead if it hits the upright in Australia's national game - who knew?!
Rowe instinctively was first to the breaking ball when a teammate smashed the post on Saturday, finishing with aplomb before being informed of her mistake.
"There are so many rules in a game of footy, so you can’t tell her everything," Siekman told CollingwoodFC.com
But stipulations aside, things look very promising for the markswoman as she bids to master a third sport at the highest level.
As well as representing the Yew County with distinction over the past few seasons, she has also represented Ireland at all levels between U-15 and senior on the international soccer scene. Her decision to move to Oz last Summer has drawn comparisons with county teammate and Ladies Football legend Cora Staunton, who became the first international player to professionally play the women's game in Australia when she signed on with GWS Giants ahead of the inaugural 2017 season of the AFLW.
Get reading that rule book Sarah, but keep up the good work!
