Club: Melbourne FC
Position: Mid-field and across half back. “Sometimes I sneak out onto the wing too!”
Age: 28
Achievements so far: Paxman achieved the highest number of disposals – 27 in round 3 of the AFLW 2017 competition
Day job: Works part-time with Melbourne FC in the Community & Events team
Studying: Bachelor of Social Work at RMIT
Originally from: Greenvale, about 10 mins from Melbourne Airport. “Lots of hills out there – good for running training!”
How do you feel about the introduction of AFL Women’s?
It’s been a major step forward for women’s footy obviously, but women’s sport in general. Just to have more women’s sport in the media is great. It’s awesome for the AFL and anyone who loves watching it – only good things can come from a different and exciting brand of footy!
How do you feel about being part of Melbourne FC in the inaugural season?
I feel really lucky to be involved, especially at a club like Melbourne. My experience at the club so far has been great, and so many awesome opportunities are unfolding.
How did you start playing football?
I started when I was about 16. My PE teacher played, and encouraged me to join her team for a training session. I went along, loved it and haven’t looked back.
How did you get picked by Melbourne FC?
I was chosen as a priority pick before the draft, so thankfully I didn’t have to wait until draft day to know where I was going! Debbie Lee, Melbourne’s Female Football Development Manager, called me and asked if I’d be interested in signing, and I don’t think I could have said yes any faster than I did!
What do you love most about Aussie Rules?
The friends and memories I’ve made over the years through playing has definitely been the best part. Footy has always been an awesome outlet, and something I’ve just always really enjoyed being part of.
The AFLW catchphrase is ‘see what we create’ – what sort of league do you want to create?
I see it as a big blank canvas. We all have an opportunity to splash a bit of colour on there! I hope an exciting and professional league develops.
Do you think more clubs will add teams to AFL Women’s soon?
I think it’ll be a well-planned progression and I think eight teams at the moment is perfect. As the AFLW develops, new teams, along with emerging talent, will be introduced.
How did you get picked by Melbourne FC?
I was chosen as a priority pick before the draft, so thankfully I didn’t have to wait until draft day to know where I was going! Debbie Lee, Melbourne’s Female Football Development Manager, called me and asked if I’d be interested in signing, and I don’t think I could have said yes any faster than I did!
What do you love most about Aussie Rules?
The friends and memories I’ve made over the years through playing has definitely been the best part. Footy has always been an awesome outlet, and something I’ve just always really enjoyed being part of.
The AFLW catchphrase is ‘see what we create’ – what sort of league do you want to create?
I see it as a big blank canvas. We all have an opportunity to splash a bit of colour on there! I hope an exciting and professional league develops.
Do you think more clubs will add teams to AFL Women’s soon?
I think it’ll be a well-planned progression and I think eight teams at the moment is perfect. As the AFLW develops, new teams, along with emerging talent, will be introduced.
Do you look forward to the day when professional sportswomen don’t have to have jobs to subsidise their income?
Definitely. For what we put in, along with any other semi-professional athlete, of course to be paid a full-time wage is the dream. Slow and steady though – this is year one of AFLW and there are lots more to come. It’d be nice if it happened while I’m still playing though!
What would you say to a woman considering playing AFL for the first time?
Don’t hesitate! You’ll instantly make a team full of friends, and get a workout at the same time. There are teams popping up all over the place, along with so many different options depending on what you’re looking for. From social to competitive, and even a pathway to AFLW!
AFL can be a pretty rough game – how do you prepare yourself for that type of contact?
Obviously you need to prepare physically. We had a really intensive pre-season which has made us all fitter and stronger. But the mental side of preparation I think is probably even more important.
Taking care of your mind is so crucial to playing good footy. Decision-making and focus are massive factors in your performance. I think, though, if you’ve prepared well physically, mentally you’re going to be more comfortable and confident to take on the physical side of the game. Or just run fast enough to avoid being tackled!
What do you like doing in your downtime?
I don’t seem to have much downtime at the moment, but I do like a good sleep in!
Can you tell us something most people wouldn’t know about you?
I’m an awesome dancer…
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