Tara Murray
Jamie Lee Speakman was hoping to just get out there and play some football this year after two years of not playing.
Having not played in 2020 followed by an ACL injury last season, Speakman had spent more time on the side lines than on the field.
The Bacchus Marsh footballer showed no signs of rust as made massive steps forward and put herself on the radar of AFLW clubs.
Speakman said she had even surprised herself with how she was able to perform this season with the Greater Western Victorian Rebels.
“It was so much better than I expected after coming off two years without footy due to COVID and then an injury,” she said.
“I thought maybe I would have an average year coming back to feel the game again, but I came out pretty good.
“I was pretty proud of how I went.”
Speakman would play seven games for the Rebels this year, averaging 14 possessions a game.
She was named the Rebels most improved player and was named in the Vic Country squad for the national championships.
Speakman later played with an under-23 all stars team which faced the NAB League girls academy team.
For Speakman, playing football has always been the dream.
“It’s been my number one dream since before I could even speak,” she said. “Footy is something I want to do for the rest of my life.
“I’ve been playing since I was eight. I started in the Ballan under-12s. I got told I couldn’t play with the boys anymore when it went up to under-15s.
“I moved to Bacchus Marsh to play in the under-13s and got told I was too big and strong so I had to go up and play in the under-18 youth girls, we’ve I’ve played most of my football.”
That experience of playing with older players helped Speakman when she made her Victorian Football League Women’s debut this season.
She played three games for the Western Bulldogs.
“It’s been a good ride there,” she said.
“A lot different with the bigger bodies. They’re taller and quicker and the skill level is just emaculate.
“You always have to be one step ahead. It was really good.”
The realisation that she might soon be drafted is starting to settle in for Speakman. She was invited to the draft combine where she tested well in the two-kilometre, getting a personal best.
She has also spoken with several AFLW clubs in the lead up to the draft which is on June 29.
“I worked my backside off to get here,” she said. “I didn’t think I would be here, but I am here and I’m pretty proud.
“I’m not that nervous I’m pretty excited about it. I think the nerves will probably kick in once it gets a bit closer.
“I’ll keep working hard, training every night, to get ready for pre-season and hopefully being drafted.”
