The childhood dream became a reality for one young woman last week – a dream that was just that until the AFL Women’s League came into fruition earlier this year.

Emily Bates, drafted to the Brisbane Lions at pick no. 2 in the inaugural AFL Women’s Draft, has undergone the same path as her male counterparts, the only difference is that she would never have the opportunity to be drafted. 

Following the draft, Bates told The Courier-Mail of her excitement to be recognised as a “semi-professional” athlete and the opportunity she’s been given.

“I never expected to be able to play in an AFL league and wear the Brisbane Lions colours, so when they finally announced it, it was a dream come true,” Bates told The Courier-Mail.

“It is semi-professional now, but hopefully one day it gets bigger and better.

“To get expert coaching, access to professional facilities, everyone’s game will go to a next level."

The 21-year-old midfielder has followed her late father, Lloyd – a former coach at Yeronga – around the footy field since she could first walk.

Bates’ playing career began at 11, when the first women’s competition was established and she signed up at the Devils.

Since then Bates has played on the MCG, Etihad Stadium, the Gabba and Metricon Stadium in representative or exhibition match and will be one of many role models for young girls.

“To me it means the young girls who start playing footy now will have role models to look up to and learn from and they will believe they can play it forever, they won’t have to drop it for another sport just to reach the elite level.”

Jade Ransfield, Kate Deegan, Kate McCarthy and Emily Bates outside the Gabba. Picture: Jack Tran / The Courier-Mail

And although she may have represented the Western Bulldogs at exhibition level, Bates is now a true Lion.

“I played for them (Bulldogs) the last five exhibition games, they are a bit of a pioneer in women’s football and I have always admired them for that,” Bates told The Courier-Mail.

“So they were my club, but I’m on to bigger and better things at the Lions.”