Maria Moloney isn’t one to let opportunity pass her by. 

The dynamic midfielder made the most of her call up into Craig Starcevich’s Best 21, playing a vital role in yesterday’s statement win over North Melbourne. 

Well-known by her teammates for her ability around the contest, Moloney stood up against North to gather 11 possessions (eight contested), five tackles and four intercepts and play a key role as the Lions piled the pressure on the Roos.  

But it wasn’t her pressure around the ball that caught the eye. 

Moving down the field, it was Moloney’s ability to come forward and hit the scoreboard that took the 26-year-old’s game to new heights on Sunday.  

Finding two goals in the first half of the match, as well as four score involvements across the afternoon, Moloney showcased another side to her game as she seized the opportunity in front of her.   

Speaking after the game, Starcevich was full of praise for the way in which she grabbed the opportunity in front of her with both hands. 

“Maria is depth in our midfield at the moment,” 

“So, for her to come in and play her secondary role and actually play that really well as a small forward is a great testament to her.” 

“To be able to say “Okay, I’ve got the chance, what am I going to do with it now? I’ll make the most of it, I’m there to pressure, I’m there to score if the opportunity presents’, scoring ends up being the bonus on the end.”