Fremantle AFLW defender Ashleigh Brazill says being a role model for aspiring young female athletes still amazes her.
Speaking at Fremantle’s The Power of Women in Sport luncheon, in partnership with Curtin University at Crown Perth on Friday, Brazill shared how growing up, she never had strong female athletes visit her school to look up to.
“I remember being that kid a long time ago, sitting there, and all the people we’d ever hear from were male athletes,” Brazill said.
“I’m from New South Wales, so we had a lot of NRL stars come and speak to us.
“I probably never thought about it being any different because I would see these men and just be in awe of them. But now being a bit older I realise, wow I can’t believe we never had a female athlete up there sharing their stories.
“To be here 20 years later and able to tell my story blows me away a little bit.
“I’m always hoping to inspire, even if it’s just one of the girls out there. And it’s not exclusively about becoming an athlete.
“I look at my kids and they probably aren’t going to be the sportiest kids, but they don’t have to be. They could be a statistician, a wellness officer, a coach, there are just so many roles for women now in professional sport.”
Earlier in the day, Brazill, alongside teammates Ange Stannett and Emma O’Driscoll, visited Emmanuel Catholic College, speaking to around 300 students as part of the Power of Women in Sport initiative.
Brazill shared the excitement within the playing group ahead of the upcoming AFLW season.
“I look at the group and I feel sorry for Lisa Webb (senior coach) because there aren’t enough spots on the team for all the players we have in form at the moment,” Brazill said.
“I don’t even know who’s going to be in the starting team come Port Adelaide, there is that much competition for spots.
“As tough as it is for Lisa, that’s where we want to be (strong depth).”
Fremantle’s AFLW leadership also participated in a panel discussion about Season 10 of the AFLW. Fremantle will kick off their campaign on Sunday 17 August, against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval.
The group described how the Club’s authentic approach brings out the best in its people, both on and off the field.
Concluding the luncheon at Crown, 2025 NAB AFLW Premiership Cup Ambassador Debbie Lee delivered a powerful message about the continued development of women in sport.
“It takes a village to grow a game,” Lee said.
“In 2019 in Adelaide, over 53 thousand fans turned up for the AFLW grand final. The village turned up.
“Women’s football is 157 years behind the men’s game, we didn’t start from the same start line, so yes we might have to do extra.
“We’re planting seeds. That’s a great legacy.
“The job is never going to be done because we’re always going to want more, and that’s okay.
“But what we’re doing all doing is we’re making a step to ensure the Next Generation have even greater opportunities, and that’s really special to be a part of.”
