By JARROD POTTER
RUNNING out onto the MCG meant the world to Cranbourne premiership-winning defender Danielle Hardiman.
It’s all happened in the last 12 months for the 21-year-old, with Hardiman called up to the VFL Academy late last year.
Her performances on the track with the academy paved the way for an AFL debut in March, but that feeling doesn’t compare to striding out in a Melbourne Demons jumper onto the home of football.
Taking her spot in defence on the world-famous oval was a whole new level of amazement for the hard-edged running back.
“It was great – great atmosphere,” Hardiman said.
“The first one was good, but it wasn’t a great atmosphere – but this one gave us a really good taste of what next year (National Women’s League) will be.
“Really exciting to run out onto the ‘G – all the little girls were lining up wanting signatures and high fives – so it was great to be a part of that.”
Hardiman absorbed the early nerves to stand resolutely in Melbourne’s defence.
The Demons barely let the Lions get a forward possession and Hardiman was there throughout most of the afternoon to disrupt the Queenslanders’ attack.
“I was really nervous at the start, but I took a mark in the first quarter near the goal line and that helped a lot,” Hardiman said.
“The defence was really good – we all worked hard and pushed up when we needed to – we played a bit above our position and really made it hard for them to get a touch.
“Players like C Bomb (Cecilia McIntonsh) were getting around me – taking some good marks – and it was great to be out there with them.”
It wasn’t all clear sailing for Hardiman though, she was taken from the field late in the clash with what she hopes is only a slightly-injured knee that doesn’t need a reconstruction.
“I ended up going off – hurt my knee and had an MRI yesterday (Monday),” Hardiman said. “Still waiting on the results, but I’ve really hyperextended it pretty badly.
“I’m definitely out for this week and hoping it’s nothing like an ACL.”
Once her knee heals it will be back to Cranbourne for Hardiman, who thinks the switch from VWFL Division 1 to VFL Women’s has been particularly eye-opening.
Hardiman admits the increased game-time has been tough to overcome, but the side is ready to up the ante and push its fitness so it will become more competitive.
“It just comes back to moving up – we only played 20-minute quarters last year and they were all playing 25 in Premier,” Hardiman said. “It’s just fitness and we’re getting a bit more serious with pre-season next year and it’s more important to us.
“Really different – last year I felt like I had a lot more time getting kicks off and running, but the opposition this year are right on your tail and their kicks seem to be on point – especially Darebin.”
Ellie Blackburn, from Endeavour Hills, continued her domination in the Melbourne colours as well, as she racked up 25 disposals in a best afield performance through the centre.
AFL SCOREBOARD
MELBOURNE 6.4 8.5 10.7 14.7(91)
BRISBANE 0.0 1.0 1.1 2.1(13)
