'It wasn't rough enough': Edgecock trades netball for Sherrin

While she enjoyed playing netball, she said it "wasn't rough enough", and her eye had always been drawn to rugby league and AFL as a child due to the physical nature of both codes. Now, at 16 years old, Grace has finally made the switch to Aussie Rules - a decision which was prompted by a conversation with her friend.

"One of my friends plays with me as well, and we were watching [the AFLW] at hers one time," she said.

"I said 'It looks like I would enjoy this', so I went to a few training sessions and liked it, so I started playing."

Shortly after signing up with the Tamworth Kangaroos this season, it became apparent that Grace had made the right call. Her talent for Aussie Rules was obvious, and she earned a spate of compliments after the women's trial against the Gunnedah Bulldogs.

Among those who noticed Grace's ability was Bulldogs star and newly-signed Sydney Swan, Alice Mitchell.

"She did say a few things to me [after the game]. She said I was going well, which was very nice to hear," Grace said.

Her switch to AFL came as unexpected news to her family for a variety of reasons. Though her parents, Danielle and Aaron, both had athletic backgrounds, Grace's desire to play contact sport was nerve-wracking, particularly for her father.

"Mum's always known that I've really been into contact sports. Dad's a bit nervy, he's been saying 'Don't get messed up'," she said.

Aaron's concern appears to have been borne of experience; having played both league and union when he was younger, he knows the risks that come with being tackled.

But Grace jumped in with gusto, and starred in her debut game over the weekend.

Despite feeling "a bit nervous" ahead of her first outing with the Kangaroos against the Moree Suns on Saturday, Grace was also "very excited", and put that energy to good use.

Playing alternately between the midfield and as a forward, Grace kicked two crucial goals as Tamworth snared a razor-thin 5.5.35 to 3.13.31 win in Narrabri.

"It was really enjoyable," she said.

"It was a bit physical, but I was expecting that, and it was good fun."

While she enjoyed the opportunity to play as a forward, Grace said she was more comfortable in the midfield - although she did acknowledge that her fitness will need some work as the season progresses.

"Hopefully I can get a bit fitter. It wasn't too bad, I kept up, but it was a bit of a struggle," she said.

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