Peter Howe
Playing football wasn’t always the first love of Western Jets NAB League Girls captain Charlotte Baskaran.
Growing up, athletics was her sport of choice.
So why does a junior state athletics champion with an under-11 Victorian 400 metres record decide to switch sports?
“I loved athletics, especially the training but it was an individual sport,” she said.
“I wanted to be in a team that experienced the highs and lows together. I loved the other girls’ company.
Baskaran switched her running shoes and state titles for the football jumper in 2016, as the Essendon District Football League decided to establish a women’s competition for the 2017 season.
Baskaran by her own admission took to the game seamlessly, playing with Aberfeldie’s junior teams.
Her endurance from her athletics background made her a standout among her teammates early on.
“I was selected in the EDFL interleague team that was keenly watched by NAB League talent scouts,” she said.
“By virtue of living in Caroline Springs I was tied to the Western Jets.
“In my first year with them I was too young to play so I could only train. It was a frustrating introduction, but I learned so much.”
Baskaran is now one of the top prospects heading into this year’s AFLW draft. In seven games, she has averaged 29 possessions and is part of Vic Metro squad and the AFL Academy.
Baskaran puts that down to hours and hours of practice.
“I do love a tackle,” she said. “Out of season I typically run to put kilometres into my legs, and I hit the gym in an organised program by the strength and conditioning staff at Maribyrnong Sports Academy three times a week.
“I also participate in three footy based sessions a week which include kicking and ground ball skills.
“In-season at the Jets is focused on game style, skills, and team structure with mids, forwards and backs for two sessions per week plus game day.
“Recovery is also critical. I am lucky to have a pool at home which allows me to combine pool work into my recovery.”
Baskaran says she plays a similar game to Richmond star Monique Conti.
The 17-year-old is quick to praise her coaches and mentors at Aberfeldie, the Western Jets and at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy.
Baskaran was full of praise for MSA and Western Jets coach, Robbie Chancellor, who she said had taken her game to a new level.
The year 12 student would love to enter the sports science field after secondary college, while being drafted later this year would be a dream come true.
Baskaran has a simple philosophy that she takes into every aspect of her life.
“Enjoy what you are doing, have fun because if you don’t you will never perform at your best.”
Baskaran is the first recipient of the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club’s monthly award for 2022, named in memory of Don Deeble.
If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner at the Medway Golf Club, please contact the club by emailing swrsportsclub@gmail.com or sms 0408 556 631.
The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers.
