Real Stories. Real Challenges. Real Role Models.
Being a young girl in sport isn’t always easy. There are moments of confidence and excitement, but there are also times when you might question yourself, feel like you’re not good enough, struggle with pressure, or wonder whether you still belong. That’s why ICONS brings together the real stories of women in sport who have been there too.
Across our videos, our ICONS share the challenges they’ve faced throughout their sporting journeys - from injury, setbacks and selection to confidence, pressure, friendships, body image and the moments when they simply wanted to give up.
They share the highs, the lows and everything in between, showing that success isn’t about having a perfect journey. It’s about learning from the tough moments, finding people who support you and continuing to move forward.
These are stories to help you feel inspired, understood and, most importantly, less alone. Because whatever you’re going through, someone who came before you has probably been there too.
Keep showing up. Keep backing yourself. Keep playing.
ICONS is here to help keep girls in sport longer.
GEORGIA KAVANAGH
FOOTY ISN’T ALWAY A SMOOTH JOURNEY
Georgia shares her story of moving in and out of her rep team, never knowing from week to week if she would play, and leaning heavily on her support system to stay positive throughout the uncertainty.
GRACE BABA
STAYING CONNECTED WHEN INJURED
Grace highlights the importance of staying connected to your club and teammates during injury, and the role that support plays in the recovery journey.
JOSIE BAMFORD
RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF DISAPPOINTMENT
As a professional AFLW player, Josie’s journey hasn’t always been smooth - she has faced the disappointment of missing team selections and sacrificed family holidays to train and play, showing her dedication and resilience every step of the way.
SARA HOWlEY
MOVING CAN BE TOUGH
When Sara was drafted, she achieved a lifelong goal, but it also meant moving interstate and leaving her family behind. Luckily, new friends and her love of footy made the journey completely worthwhile.
PEPPA POULTNEY
INJURY ISN’T THE END OF THE WORLD
When Peppa suffered an injury, she worried about its impact on her game and her spot in the team. But through hard work and dedication, she has returned stronger than ever.
GEORGIE BRISBANE
BALANCING FOOTY AND FRIENDS
With her sights set on making the AFLW - a goal she ultimately achieved -Georgie faced backlash and jealousy from friends who didn’t fully understand her passion and determination.
EVIE PARKER
THERE IS ALWAYS A CHANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT
Even when you’re sidelined by injury or missed selection, there’s always an opportunity to learn, sharpen your skills, and continue supporting your teammates.
EMMA DI PETTA
NOT GETTING DRAFTED ISN’T THE END
Emma shares her story of the disappointment of not being drafted, and how she came to understand that it wasn’t the end of her footy journey, continuing to pursue her passion by playing in the VFLW.
ZOE VOZZO
FRIENDS AND FOOTY
Not everything will go your way on your footy journey, but the friendships you build along the way make it all worthwhile.
JORDY ALLEN
THE EXTERNAL PRESSURE TO SUCCEED
As a leading AFLW prospect, Jordy faced intense pressure from her sporting community. Through the challenges and expectations, she leaned on the support of her family and friends, which helped her stay grounded and focused on her journey.
KAYLA DALGLESISH
JOURNEY THROUGH INJURY, DRAFT AND MOVING AWAY FROM HOME
Kayla’s footy journey has been full of challenges, culminating in a big move from Victoria to Western Australia after being drafted by the Eagles.
TAYLA MCMILLAN
THE PRESSURE OF LEADERSHIP
When Tayla was named captain of her footy team, the pressure of leadership affected how she approached the game - but with support all around her, she learned to rise to the challenge.
LOUISE TYSON
INJURY FROM ANOTHER SPORT
All it took was one game in another sport for Louise to suffer a devastating injury - but she turned it into a positive by focusing on new opportunities during her recovery.
It’s not only AFLW players who have walked in your shoes
Sport looks different for every girl, but the challenges can be surprisingly similar. From confidence and pressure to injury, setbacks and finding the belief to keep going, our female athletes have experienced many of the same moments.
Beyond the AFLW, ICONS brings together an inspiring line-up of Olympians, World Champions and Para-athletes who share their real stories of resilience, determination and overcoming adversity.
Because sometimes, hearing from another woman who has been there can be the reminder you need to keep backing yourself, stay connected to your sport and keep going.