18-year-old Zoe Savarirayan has become the first Indian heritage player in North Melbourne’s AFLW team.
Zoe said in a statement that everyone was really happy and also surprised about the selection. She added:
“Surprised too, because I haven’t been playing AFLW for that long, but no-one was more surprised than me! I never thought I’d have the chance to pursue a career as a professional athlete.”
Zoe is a former NPL soccer star with the Bulleen Lions and was selected as a rookie for North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos from Wesley College.
Zoe is Grade 12th student pursuing the International Baccalaureate at Wesley and has made the transition to AFL for her school sport team in Terms 2 and 3.
Zoe’s college said in a statement:
“Zoe has always been a talented athlete, playing soccer for the Bulleen Lions in the National Premier League and Wesley Firsts in both Volleyball and Soccer. “
North Melbourne AFLW notes that Zoe has shown massive potential in playing for her school this season.
“A slick mover in traffic with the natural ability to hit the scoreboard, a future as a skilful small forward beckons. She’s also blessed with pace and cleanliness at ground level.”
Zoe is grateful for this opportunity to play for North Melbourne AFLW. She observes:
“I am excited but also very nervous and just hope I can make an impact both on and off the field.”
Zoe has a natural kicking style and was spotted by Brent Thiele who is the current Head of the Wesley College Football Program.
Thiele said in a statement:
“After only five games of football as a mid-forward and over a week before the official 2022 AFLW draft, Zoe has been signed as an AFLW player! This is an incredible achievement and a real tribute to the coaches, her teammates and the parents who support this program. We are so proud of Zoe and wish her every success for the future.”
In her team’s matches against Sydeny Swans and Brisbane Lions, Zoe played well as as Shinboner No.51 in the line-up. She added a lot of fresh energy on the ground and appeared as a constant looming threat given her amazing ability to find opportunities to score goals.
Zoe has become the seventh debutant for her club, following in the footsteps of Taylah Gatt, Erika O’Shea, Vikki Wall, Charli Granville, Sophia McCarthy and Ella Maurer.
