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.
Hailing from South Australia, Montana Beruldsen was once a gun hurdler, competing in the 100m and 400m race at a national level. It was during COVID when she was inspired to take on a new challenge and used her speed and athleticism to earn a spot in the Hawthorn VFLW side.
Beruldsen was drafted in the Sydney Swans inaugural squad in 2022 but due to injury is yet to debut. She credits her own determination and resilience for her success, as well as a single conversation with head coach Scott Gowans.
At what point did you realise you could take your passion for AFL into a professional career?
“It was during COVID when I was stuck at home. I was watching the footy on TV – I wasn’t playing at the time – but I looked at those girls and thought, ‘I could do that’. I wanted to give it a crack and find out how big this challenge is.”
Who do you credit for your success?
“It takes a lot of determination and resilience from the athlete, but I credit all the people that come into my life at different times and supported me in different ways."
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
“Just because some thing is meant for you, it doesn’t mean it’s always going to be there. The whole process of deciding to play football, to getting drafted and arriving at the Swans happened so quickly. Then I got injured which also happened very quickly. I was forced to stop. The hard work that it’s taken you to get somewhere is going to require a lot more work to stay there.”
Can you recall the most defining moment of your life so far?
“It was the start of this year and I was having a coffee with Scott (Gowans) and he questioned how much I wanted to play footy. At the time I questioned that as well. He said that you have to be all in. That was a real sliding doors moment for me. I told myself I would take his advice and go all in. From that point on, that conversation we had has meant I haven’t looked back. I honestly so grateful for this opportunity and I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
If you weren’t playing AFL, what do you think you’d be doing?
“I’d be continuing my athletics and probably have finished a university degree by now.”
What are you most grateful for?
“Being here. The last week I’ve felt so grateful to be here and being around everyone at the club.”
What is your most controversial opinion?
“I don’t think we should admire famous people in the way that we do. I think we should look at them as people who are going about and achieving their goals and ambitions. Not to say that they’re better than us."
Whether you’re preparing for training or a match, do you have any superstitions or things you must do beforehand?
“I have to make sure my socks match the colour of my shoes and I always strap both of my ankles before a game, but I never need to in training.”
In your own opinion, what are your greatest strengths?
“Probably my ability to be coached and from that I take everything in like a sponge. Pair that with my determination.”
Who is your sports hero?
“Growing up it was always Sally Pearson. I loved that we had an Australian athlete representing in such a minority sport in this country. Now I look to a lot of different athletes. My sports hero evolves over time and what I’m looking for on my own sporting journey. At the moment, I love learning about Harry Garside, mentality and mindset wise. I find there’s so many athletes out there that we can tap into a learn from.
This profile series is presented by Bing Lee.
The 2023 AFLW Season will commence on the first weekend of September with the full fixture now confirmed. There’s a membership to suit every footy fan in 2023 with supporter membership starting from $60 for adults. Be part of something bigger, and better – join today.
