KAITLYN Ashmore admits to some trepidation at turning her back on a promising athletics career, but the exciting Brisbane Lions midfielder’s decision is now looking like a masterstroke.
Ashmore was a national junior javelin champion with dreams of wearing the green and gold at the Olympics.
She idolised Commonwealth champion and world championship silver medallist Kim Mickle.
The two would eventually cross paths, but it wasn't on the javelin runway.
Ashmore, from Ballarat in Victoria’s central west, was starring in her athletics endeavours when she decided to take up footy at school.
"Athletics was [an] individual [sport] and I needed some fun," she told AFL.com.au.
"Footy was so fun and I got to the stage where I had to move to Melbourne to play club footy.
"[Women’s footy] wasn't going anywhere, but I loved it."
And therein was her dilemma.
Ashmore could pursue a sport with the hope of representing her country, or could play one with her friends that would only ever be a hobby.
Ashmore competing in javelin event, 2008. (Source: Unknown)
"It was tough considering I was aiming to go to the Olympics, and with footy at the time, there was nothing to aim for.
"I asked mum 100 times, ‘What should I do?’ and she said, ‘Do whatever makes you happy’.”
"It was a leap of faith. I thought I was going to regret it."
It's been a leap well and truly justified for the 25-year-old though, who was lured north by Lions coach Craig Starcevich and signed by the club as a priority pick.
Ashmore finished her university degree in teaching in October and said the prospect of five months training and playing in Queensland's sunshine was appealing.
"I put everything into a ute and came up here," she said.
The club helped with relocation and finding accommodation and Ashmore now works part-time in a local café.
On the field has been a dream so far.
Saturday's two-goal performance – including a miraculous effort from deep in the right forward pocket – was her best individual showing in the Lions' unbeaten four-game start to the NAB AFL Women’s competition.
One of those wins pitted her against Mickle, who Ashmore admits she's still "in awe" of. Sadly, the javelin champion suffered an ACL injury in that match.
Ashmore sings the song with the team after a win against the GIANTS. (Photo: TJ Yelds Sports Photography)
Although Ashmore will return south after the AFLW competition to play for Melbourne University in the VFL Women’s competition through winter, right now she's focused on helping the Lions to the inaugural AFLW premiership.
A win against fellow front-runner Adelaide on Saturday night would help Brisbane get one foot into the Grand Final, set for Saturday, March 25.
"It’s definitely our biggest game so far," Ashmore said.
"They play a similar style to us, work hard in the midfield and run hard.
"It would be huge to get a win."
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