With the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft tonight, we took a trip down memory lane with some of our 2016 draftees to hear about their draft experience and their advice to the 2021 draft pool.

Emily Bates, 2016 NAB AFLW Draft Pick #2

I remember… “the real emotion was when I got that phone call from Bree [Brisbane Lions Women’s CEO], just being shocked and excited and just being so honoured that not only was I going to play [in the AFLW] but that I was going to be the first pick for the club…being the first pick and a part of history was pretty special to me.”

Emily’s advice: “I’d just think that I guess everything happens for a reason. Take every opportunity that comes your way. The biggest thing that I’ve learnt is that when you get selected, you’re never expected to be the best. All we want from our draftees is just effort in everything we do and to give your all.”

Jess Wuetschner, 2016 NAB AFLW Draft Pick #34

I remember… “I’d just moved down from WA to Tassie with family and I had hopes of moving to Queensland if I got drafted. I was just in the corner of my room alone, no-one else was home, and I was just watching the draft on my phone because it was the only thing I could get it on. I was sweating and just waiting for my name to get read out and it was a long wait for those 33 names before me.”

Jess’ advice: “To those that do, congratulations. And to those that don’t, don’t give up, just keep going.”

Breanna Koenen, 2016 NAB AFLW Draft Pick #50

I remember…. “I have been a big Lions fan since Jamie Charman came to my school and they brought the cup to my school and everything and I just fell in love with the Lions since then. It’s been a long dream of mine [to be drafted] since I was 5 or 6, so to actually get signed and for it to happen five or six years earlier than expected was unreal.”

Bre’s advice: “My advice I think would be just enjoy the moment if you are lucky enough to be selected in any team. Enjoy it and get your friends and family around you. If you miss out, there’s so many other opportunities and ways to get recognized. It’s very competitive and it’s very hard to be selected, so if you don’t get selected just keep working hard.”

Kate Lutkins, 2016 NAB AFLW Draft Pick #79

I remember… “when I found out I got drafted, I was at work on a driving course just watching on my phone out in the sticks, and hearing my name I was just excited and thankful and grateful [the AFLW] came in early and I had my chance to play in the competition. Hearing your name actually get read out is something pretty cool and pretty special. It’s something I’m going to remember forever, and it’s not something that happens to everyone.”

Kate’s advice: “I guess you know that no matter what happens, as long as you know in yourself that you have done your best to put yourself in that position, that’s all you can do. If they don’t get picked up, don’t lose hope. And to the girls that do get drafted, just enjoy it because as much courage and discipline as it took to get nominated, the real work starts now.”

Sharni Webb, 2016 NAB AFLW Draft Pick #111

I remember… “I came in at Pick #111 and was sneakily watching the draft with my Year 7 Geography class (they are now in Year 12, crazy)! The class went crazy when my name was called out and not long after, the office started playing the Lions team song over the PA system. It was kind of a dream come true.”

Sharni’s advice: “If you get picked, be prepared to work hard and be apart of an amazing team of both players and staff. The hard work starts now! Those that miss out, keep working to improve your craft, fitness and attitude. There are always opportunities in the future. We have had girls try for a couple years to get drafted and just missed out, then finally making it! Some of those girls are now our most reliable players!”

The 2021 NAB AFLW Draft will be held on Tuesday July 27 at 6:45pm AEST. You can catch all the action live on womens.afl and the AFLW Official App.