Grace Wilkie (16) plays for Claremont in the Roger’s Cup and is also part of the WA State 16s squad.
Camera IconGrace Wilkie (16) plays for Claremont in the Roger’s Cup and is also part of the WA State 16s squad. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie www.communitypix.com.au d494078

Football focus pays off for Grace

Denise S. CahillWestern Suburbs Weekly

TEENAGER Grace Wilkie had to choose between basketball and football this year and the latter won out.

The 16-year-old Shenton College student is playing for Claremont Football Club in the Roger’s Cup and is in the WA State 16s squad.

She started playing school football in Year 5 and four years later joined the Wembley Junior Football Club and “really enjoyed it”.

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Former Eagles developing female football talent

Grace Wilkie plays in the ruck
Camera IconGrace Wilkie plays in the ruck Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“I spent two years at Wembley and this year I’m at Claremont,” Wilkie said.

“Footy is such a positive place and everyone is so nice and supportive.

“If I can make it to AFLW that would be awesome.”

At 184cm, it’s no surprise Wilkie plays in the ruck.

She trains with Claremont two days a week, has a gym session and training with the State squad weekly and does one-on-one sessions with former West Coast Eagle Ryan Turnbull, who co-founded the Western Australian Female Football Academy with Chad Morrison.