When Sasha Verdouw learnt the Tamworth Swans were looking to field a women's side in the AFL North West competition she jumped at the chance to be involved.
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Unlike many of her Swans team-mates AFL courses through Verdouw's blood.
"I was raised on AFL," the Western Australian native said.
"I played as a kid and played at high school."
She can't wait to run onto No.1 Oval on Saturday as the Swans make their debut against cross-town rivals Tamworth Kangaroos.
"I'm super pumped, I just want to play a game," Verdouw said.
Moving across from AFL-mad Perth with husband Jesse two-and-a-half years ago to take up a job as an occupational therapist, the 24-year admitted it was a bit of a culture shock.
Not only not couldn't she find a team to play for but it was hard to find somewhere to watch an AFL game.
"The biggest shock coming here was even going to the pub you can't see an AFL game easily," she said.
"The first friends we made said do you follow footy?."
After the response was yes, they then proceeded to ask what league team they supported.
"In WA it (AFL) is everywhere," Verdouw said.
"Even the grand final watching it here, it was so different to watching it in Western Australia where the city is alive no matter what team you support."
She said linking up with the Swans has made Tamworth feel a bit more like home.
Jesse is also suiting up for the Swans for what will be his first season of senior AFL.
"He's a soccer player but he's always enjoyed watching AFL," Verdouw said.
He was coaxed into playing by a work colleague,
"It's so nice, it's something we can do together," she said.
Even if that does mean the odd injury with Verdouw playing last month's Crossroads Cup with a couple of fractured ribs courtesy of a run in at training with her husband.
She was hooked from the first training session with the Swans.
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"I went to the first pre-season training and absolutely loved it," she said.
"They're an amazing bunch of girls."
"It's been incredible seeing over the last few months how much everyone has come along."
"We don't have a very experienced team but do have some girls that are super motivated."
So much so that they have started doing a boot camp on their 'off' training days'.
United in a sense of embarking on a journey together, there is also a great camaraderie among what is a very young group.
As one of the oldest, and most experienced, players in the side, Verdouw has taken on a bit of a motherly role, which she has really enjoyed.
"It's awesome playing with the young girls and being a positive influence on them," she said.
"It's about playing together and supporting each other and encouraging the girls to be the best that they can be."
