By Chris McAsey
The number of passionate and committed local AFL players continues to grow throughout Asia. We profile a few who are pumped about representing their country in Aussie Rules at the Asian Championships in Thailand.
Sienna Woodyard – Hong Kong Dragons
‘I’m thoroughly convinced we are the best team in Asia because of our community.’
After struggling to find her feet playing against boys as a junior, Sienna love of the game has blossomed since joining the Hong Kong Dragons’ women’s team.
How did you start playing AFL?
With my brother playing Auskick Hong Kong with the Kowloon Cobras and my dad coaching, inevitably I ended up joining too!
The first few years I struggled with my skill level compared to the boys and the fact that none of them would pair up or pass to me, being a girl.
Once a girls team was started I found myself enjoying the sport more. Luckily after Auskick I looked over onto the lower field in King’s Park and saw the Dragons Women’s team playing their grand final. They let me join their final and it really changed my life. Ever since I’ve been playing with them and learning so much beyond just footy.
Did you find AFL skills difficult to learn?
I learnt the basics from my dad when I was very young and by watching footy. Rules on the other hand, always confused me. Joining the Dragons forced my skills and understanding of the game to improve. I think that aspect of challenge is partly why I love both the game and playing with the Dragons.
What do you like most about playing footy?
There are so many aspects that just make you fall in love with it. In particular I love when team efforts pay off and lead to small team wins.
For me it’s not just the game itself that makes footy so good, but also the club.
The Dragons have a really strong community aspect to our club. It’s the type of community that pulls you in and helps you fall in love with the game.
I remember my first training, I thought it was going to be really awkward due to the age difference, but everyone just welcomed me in. Since then I felt comfortable within the team and am thoroughly convinced that we are the best team in Asia because of our community.
What is the most exciting moment you had in a game?
Laying a good tackle or smother, really makes you feel right in the game. I love the adrenaline rush I get when I lock in a really strong tackle, especially when it leads to a turnover.
For me though my most exciting game was that first game with the Dragons. I didn’t get much of the ball but the exposure to a higher paced game compared to Auskick just left me in awe and made me feel more in the game then I had ever been before. That was only seconded by my first Asian championships!
What’s the best thing about representing the Hong Kong Dragons at the Championships?
Last year was my first time playing at Asian Champs. The competition was absolutely amazing. Personally I love representing the Dragons because I’m proud of being part of such a strong community and to be able to call myself one of the Hong Kong Dragons.
Do you have any favourite AFL or AFLW players?
Growing up I always liked to watch Eddie Betts, probably because he was one of the smaller players. Now I’d probably say Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps, because they are great to watch and seem to be able to bring the ball out of trouble so well.
What position or role do you play in your team?
I’ve always played better defensively. Part of the reason I fell in love with the game was because of the contact aspect. Being a very body-on-body player, I naturally fell into defence, but these days I find myself drifting up into the midfield as well.
