Kim Mickle is looking forward to a whole new sporting experience when she runs out for her Fremantle Dockers debut on Sunday.
A proven athlete and Australian Olympian, Mickle poses as a wildcard inclusion for Michelle Cowan’s side as they look to bounce back against the Brisbane Lions at Fremantle Oval.
Even with prior experience performing in front of a full house on national television, Mickle still expects Sunday’s game to be an eye-opener.
“In javelin we’re in the middle of the arena so we still have a whole running track between us and the crowd,” Mickle said.
“In football you can be on the boundary about three metres from someone who is yelling at you.
“It’s certainly going to be different to what I’m used to, but I thrive off big occasions and I thrive off big crowds, so I think it’s going to make things even better.”
For Mickle, Sunday is just the second game of football in her career after the 32-year-old kicked four goals in last month’s pre-season scratch match against the WA Talent Academy.
Mickle picked up a minor hip injury in that game, and hasn’t gotten back into full contact training until this week.
Instead, she’s focused on improving her endurance fitness after a career as a power athlete.
“After I hurt my hip, I’ve been pulled back out to work on my fitness which might be a blessing in disguise,” Mickle said.
“It’s given me a little more time to get some more kilometres in the legs.”
“When you don’t pick up a ball for a while, your touch goes pretty quickly, but in saying that you can get it back pretty quickly, too.
“I have no doubt after training this week I’ll get back to where I was before.”
After waiting years between major athletic events, Mickle has enjoyed switching to a sport that is played on a weekly basis.
“I feel like I just watched the game yesterday, and it’s coming around again,” Mickle said.
“It’s completely different to what I’m used to, but also really exciting as something is always happening, and it keeps you on your toes.”
As a result, Mickle is glad Freo has the chance to make amends after a disappointing result in round one.
“Everyone’s in good spirits and has bounced back well actually,” Mickle said.
“It was full of contact that first game and I think everyone’s got the tick to play which is great.
“We know that we can certainly improve, and that we didn’t play the brand of football that we trained for.
“Everyone can say how exciting a massive crowd and massive moment can be, but once you’re in it, it can flip you.
“Now that it’s under their belt I think they’re ready to rumble.”
