Future footy stars shooting for AFLW dream
THE Melbourne Jewish community could have its first two footballers playing in the booming AFL Women’s competition as early as next year.
Former Mount Scopus Memorial College students Ally Bild and Amy Silver have recently signed with Collingwood Magpies and St Kilda Saints respectively in the VFL Women’s competition for 2018.
They both share the dream of having their named called out at the AFLW draft in October this year.
The girls have a simple message for young aspiring Jewish sportswomen: “Do what you love and don’t let anyone tell you any different. Women’s sport has been brought to the forefront and for female athletes, the sky is the limit. It’s an exciting time! We encourage young girls to play football or any sport as there are opportunities just waiting to be grasped.”
Name: Ally Bild
Age: 18
VFLW Club: Collingwood Magpies
THE talented teen has quickly risen up the football ranks and is now hoping to make a strong impression at Collingwood in a bid to boost her AFLW draft chances.
But unlike the thousands of young footy- loving boys in this country, her passion for the game was unable to truly blossom until recently. “I always dreamt of playing football as a child, however, as there was no pathway for young girls I focused on other sports [basketball],” Bild told The AJN.
She began playing competitively with the AJAX Football Club when they introduced their inaugural women’s team, the “Jackettes” in 2016. It was an impressive debut season for the then 16-year-old, who took out her team’s best and fairest award and was invited to train with the Victorian Amateur Football Association’s women’s Big V squad.
From there, Bild spent time with the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup u18s, before moving back to AJAX and then finally to the division-one team St Kilda Sharks.
After less than a season there, Bild caught the eye of multiple VFLW clubs and was invited to train with Richmond, North Melbourne, Williamstown and Collingwood.
She took up the Pies’ offer and late last year, after two weeks on the training track she was offered a contract and officially joined arguably the biggest sporting club in Australia.
“I was over the moon and excited that I now had the pathway to try and realise my lifelong dream of being able to play football at the highest level.”
There are plenty of perks being at the Pies. She trains three times a week and works closely with the AFLW squad.
“Collingwood is a powerhouse in the Australian football arena. The investment it puts into its players, facilities, coaching and membership is second to none which translates into a world-class professional sporting environment. There is nothing I like being a part of more.”
Bild has bold plans for this season and beyond. “I’d love to play each game, improve all aspects of my game, be considered a leader on and off the field, and my ultimate goal is to be playing AFLW as soon as possible.”
Her coaches have identified her versatility, football smarts and skills as her main strengths, which should see her used in multiple positions.
Family and friends have been supportive of Bild’s pursuit of her AFLW dream. She said her father Rob has been the biggest influence on her sporting life.
Name: Amy Silver
Age: 20
VFLW Club: St Kilda’s Southern Saints
SILVER’S sporting story has similarities to that of many other talented female athletes, who have code-hopped.
Growing up Silver was a prodigious soccer talent. She played Women’s Premier League soccer at age 15 and won national and international championships representing Victoria in both soccer and futsal.
She’s had two stints with North Caulfield Maccabi (2008-2010 and 2015-2017) and most recently represented Australia at the 2017 Maccabiah Games.
In early 2017, Silver attended the AFLW talent search which was only open to athletes who had played another sport at a high level and had never played football at club level.
Later in the year she was invited to trial for St Kilda’s VFLW team, the Southern Saints – two weeks later she signed.
“When I was younger I loved football and would always play with the boys at lunchtime,” Silver told The AJN.
“I’m excited to start a completely new sport and push myself to be the best I can be.”
Although she is a diehard Carlton supporter like most good young Aussie Jews, she is loving life as a Saint.
“My experience so far with St Kilda has been amazing. The level of professionalism is astounding and the resources available are extraordinary.”
Like Bild, Silver has her sights set on big things in 2018 and beyond.
She wants to play every game for the Saints this season, and as bold as that may sound, believes she’ll be able to give herself the best possible chance of achieving that before the season kicks off in May.
“My ultimate goal is to play in the AFLW.”
St Kilda doesn’t have a team in the national competition yet but it has been awarded a licence for the 2020 season.
In soccer, Silver excelled as a striker and that attacking nature has translated over to the oval ball game. “I’m hoping to play in the forward line. Whatever sport I’ve played, I’ve always loved scoring.”
Since being signed, Silver has received congratulatory messages from friends, and of course nothing but support from family.
“My dad (Mark) has been the greatest influence on my sporting career. He schlepped me all around the state for soccer, kicked the ball for hours on end in the backyard and has always been unconditionally supportive of my sporting dreams.”
AARON FETTER
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