Heading into the 2019 NAB AFL Women’s Draft, there had yet to be a player drafted from Claremont into the AFLW.

By the end of Tuesday’s draft, the Tigers boasted three AFLW footballers on Fremantle’s list. 

This included their 2018 captain Parris Laurie, who was taken at pick no.49 alongside pick no.4 Jasmin Stewart and pick no.62 Matilda Sergeant. 

“It’s really exciting that we get to go through the journey together and to be the first three from the Tigers is pretty cool,” Laurie said.

Laurie is also familiar with a number of her Fremantle teammates after training with the Fremantle Women's Talent Academy during a 10-week stint between July and September.

“Knowing the girls makes joining a new club a little less intimidating,” Laurie said.

“And having those girls I know through Claremont come through the journey with me makes it exciting and will make it an easier transition to AFLW level.”

Laurie hopes to earn a versatile ruck role in Fremantle’s starting lineup, pitching in with Freo’s lead ruck Alicia Janz. 

“I think I’ll definitely have another position but I think ruck will be my main role and, hopefully, I can expand on my skills in that area,” Laurie said.

“I’ve played against Alicia in the WAWFL and then had a bit to do with her through the Freo academy.

“It will be good to learn off her and get to know her more as well.” 

Laurie’s rise at Claremont has been impressive and relatively quick, taking on the captaincy in her second year before being drafted into the AFLW. 

But her ties with the Tigers goes back much further, with brother Jesse playing for the club since 2008.

Parris said she looked to her brother for inspiration well before taking on football as a primary sport.

“I think even when I was playing basketball, his drive and motivation to his own sport was always something that I strived for,” Laurie said.

“So to be able to play footy and to follow in his footsteps feels really good.”

Laurie is also one of three teachers to be drafted to Fremantle in this year's draft alongside Courtney Stubbs and Ebony Dawson.

Laurie said she was following the draft with her students at Methodist Ladies College, where she was relief teaching.

“Luckily enough when my name got called out, it was during recess so I was able to have a little celebration with the teachers and the students. Then I was straight on the phone to family,” Laurie said.

“Everyone was coming around and saying “congratulations Ms Laurie” so that was exciting.”