As we enter our second season of the AFLW, and prepare for the 2023 AFLW season, we bring you our new series On the mark, presented by Bing Lee where we meet our AFLW team and find out what makes them tick.
Stay tuned to sydneyswans.com.au/aflw for all the latest interviews and AFLW news.
While defender Maddy Collier might not have superstitions when it comes to her game day preparation, she does believe that everything happens for a reason. The 27-year-old can’t pinpoint a single defining moment in her life but says it’s the decisions she’s made along the way that led her to the Sydney Swans - and back again.
It was during a Swans exhibition match in 2016 that Collier realised she could play the sport professionally. She played three seasons for the Giants and West Coast Eagles before earning a spot in the inaugural Sydney Swans AFLW side and in the 2022 leadership group.
Despite sustaining an injury to her ACL in the pre-season, Collier is still a crucial component to the red and white.
At what point did you realise you could take your passion for AFL into a professional career?
“I was progressing in my footy journey at the same time the pathways at AFL NSW were progressing. So, it was bit of right place, right time. In 2016 I played an exhibition match for the Sydney Swans, and that's when I thought I could be playing AFLW next year.
“I was 17 when I first started, and I played for Kiama Power. It was half a field, 12 a side and then it progressed to bigger matches. “
Who do you credit for your success?
“I would have to thank Mum for sure. She drove me everywhere and has always been a big support – not just for me but for my siblings as well. If we wanted to do something she’d back us in whole-heartedly.
“There have also been influential people along the way. Particularly one of old coaches Daniel Pratt at West Coast – he was huge for me and my football. He helped me understand footy in a way that no one else could. Then also the clubs that have taken me in.”
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
“If you’re not looking after yourself or showing up for yourself day-to-day in times of stress, that will come back to bite you.”
Can you recall the most defining moment of your life so far?
“It’s the decisions I’ve made since I was priority pick for the GWS Giants. Moving to Perth, because I needed to get out of my comfort zone, and I’ve made friends there that will be friends for life. Then deciding to move back to Sydney. The people you meet and why you meet them. The ‘everything happens for a reason’ mantra.”
If you weren’t playing AFL, what do you think you’d be doing?
“I like helping people but I’m also a big kid at heart so probably something at a school. Just getting out in the community or at a charity. I haven’t thought too much about that but when I think about life after footy that’s something I want to dive into. I know what my strengths are and it lends to development in that space.”
What are you most grateful for?
“Lots of things. A supportive family – knowing that I can call Mum whenever I want and having a network that you can rely on whole-heartedly. Having that deep trust is huge."
“I’m grateful for my health. I’m injured but there’s a lot of people that are struggling to breathe or have terminal illness. Friends and living here in Sydney. There’s so many things to be grateful for - the list goes on.”
What is your most controversial opinion?
“This might not be controversial, but I don’t have butter before peanut butter.”
Whether you’re preparing for training or a match, do you have any superstitions or things you must do beforehand?
“I wouldn’t say I have superstitions, but my timings have to be right. I like things to flow. If I’m rocking up to a game everything has to be in a certain order.”
In your own opinion, what are your greatest strengths?
“I feel I’m pretty empathetic. I can walk into a room and know when people are down and put myself in their shoes. (Laughs) I also think I’m funny and good at active listening.”
Who is your sports hero?
“Adam Goodes. He’s just a legend, say less."
This profile series is presented by Bing Lee.
The 2023 AFLW Season will commence on the first weekend of September with the full fixture yet to be confirmed, sign up to become a 2023 AFLW memberships and show your support for the team. Follow the Sydney Swans AFLW social media channels on Instagram and Twitter for all AFLW news and updates.
