Ally Anderson | Into Community

But did you know, Ally has also successfully completed a Bachelor in Paramedic Science and works part time as a teachers aide. The QUT Alumni Team is delighted to chat to Ally about her journey, balancing competing priorities and how things are shaping up as she heads into her eighth season with the Brisbane Lions.

How did your journey in AFLW begin?

I first started casually playing footy in high school because I wanted to be like my big sister. I never watched AFL before that. When I was in Year 12, I started played for Zillmere Football Club and made my first Queensland (QLD) under 18s team that year, then made the QLD Women's team two years later. Then in 2016 I was drafted to the Brisbane Lions for the Inaugural AFLW competition.

AFLW is still working towards becoming a full-time vocation. Can you share some insights into balancing study and elite level sport?

I started studying before I was drafted to the Brisbane Lions. It was difficult to transition straight into semi-professional sport when I had been playing in a non-professional environment before that. I found the best option for me was to study part time while I was getting used to the demands of AFLW, but knew how important it was to have something outside of football as it was only part time. For me, making sure I had an organised schedule that delegated time between footy, study and my social life was the key to balancing all three.

The 2023 National NAIDOC Week theme is For Our Elders. Can you name some Elders who you think are doing great work or inspire you?

My Uncle George is someone who inspires me. He was a Vietnam War Veteran and is actively involved and volunteering with the Returned Services League (RSL) and raising money for veterans. Before he was drafted to go to war, he was told he didn't have to put his name down because he wasn't classed as an Australian because he was Aboriginal, but he did it anyway. His positivity and love for his whole family inspires me every day.

As a proud Gangulu/Waka Waka woman can you tell us where do you see indigenous representation in sport going in the next 5-10 years?

Its only going to grow from here. There are so many amazing and talented Indigenous athletes and the pathways to elite sports are better than they've ever been. Todays Indigenous role models are now paving the way for the younger generation who look up and know that there is a place for them too.

Other than being prepared to listen and acknowledge what can people do in their daily lives to move towards a more just, equitable and reconciled country?

Education and understanding are so important in creating a more just, equitable and reconciled country. I also believe going out into the communities and experiencing the culture is so important. I have been doing volunteer work with Red Dust for a couple of years now, where we go out into remote Aboriginal Communities and deliver healthy living programs, but I've also been able to immerse myself in these incredible cultural experiences. Its taught me so much about my culture and I been able to really appreciate it more. I feel like if more people were willing to learn this way, they would see just how beautiful it is too which would help us move toward that goal of a reconciled country.

We can never disconnect from our unique experience. Can you tell us how the AFLW and/or the players are fostering indigenous culture within the club environment?

We have an Indigenous Liaison Officer who does really good work with educating the players and the staff on Indigenous culture. We also actively engage with the local Indigenous mobs in the area we train. For the last few years, our Indigenous players on our team have also had the opportunity to deliver interactive education pieces to the rest of the playing group and staff on different cultural topics and meanings of significant days in our calendar.

A cheeky question for the Brisbane Lions fans can you name a player we should watch out in the upcoming season?

Lily Postlethwaite - she's coming back from her second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury stronger than ever. She's an absolute gun and is going to be great for us this year!

What is one skill you couldn't live without and why?

Footy - Kicking. I just think its the best skill and its so satisfying when you execute perfectly and hit your target.

Life - Cooking. I'm a big foodie and I love to cook so I would hate if I was a terrible cook.

Do you have a question for Ally? Cheer Ally on via her Instagram account.