Maddie Shevlin's Gungahlin Jets debut ended in injury disaster, but the AFLW recruit is hoping for a smoother transition when she completes a remarkable rise just 18 months after her first game.
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Shevlin has joined the Melbourne Demons for the AFLW season after the 20-year-old was picked up in the rookie draft on Friday.
It will be a massive jump for Shevlin, who only started playing Australian football last year after one of her teachers suggested she test herself in the sport.
Shevlin dislocated her thumb in her first game for the Jets and missed the next 10 weeks after deciding to put her oz-tag days on hold.
Now she will be playing alongside Daisy Pearce, widely regarded as the AFLW's best, as the Demons chase their first premiership.
"I started footy last year and that didn't last long because I dislocated my thumb, but sitting on the sidelines made me more eager," Shevlin said.
"I was on Facebook and found out that Melbourne was having a talent search. I was going to be in Melbourne at the same time, so I thought it was meant to be.
"Then I met everyone at the footy club and it was love at first sight. Now I'm just really excited for the opportunity."
Shevlin, a former Australian oz-tag representative, was picked in the Canberra Raiders women's nines squad at the start of the year, but has quickly found her feet in her adopted code.
She impressed Melbourne's coach Mick Stinear in a series of drills and time trials at the talent search and was offered a deal to join the Demons.
She will move to Melbourne to start training and is keen to learn from Pearce and fellow Canberra player Elise O'Dea.
Shevlin has found a home on the wing but was also the Jets' leading goal-kicker this year.
"It's been a whirlwind the past couple of months but it's all pretty exciting," Shevlin said.
"I played soccer when I was younger and I started playing oz-tag. But I love AFL and I'm sticking with that now.
"It's very different from what I was doing at the start of the year. There's a lot more expectations on you now, but I'm excited by that.
"I feel like I've got a lot to learn after missing the majority of my first season and only playing one other. I'm only 20 years old.
"Words can't describe the type of leader Daisy is. We know we've got a lot to learn from her and I don't think there's a better person to have as your mentor."
Belconnen Magpies player Jodie Hicks will join the GWS Giants after being drafted to the western Sydney club, while Britt Tully and Ellie Brush are also on the Giants' roster.
