As we enter our second season of the AFLW, and kick off 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 a small country town in Southern Ireland, Julie O’Sullivan has always had to push for what she wanted.
Coming from a sporting family she learned competitiveness from a young age. But as the possibility of a career in sport became apparent, it was this same drive that had her travel nearly two hours for training, three times a week, and eventually to the other side of the world.
O’Sullivan was drafted to the Sydney Swans in early 2023 and despite a lack of experience in Aussie Rules she’s become a regular in defence. Hear from the 21-year-old, who discusses her journey as a young budding footballer to the AFLW.
At what point did you realise you could take your passion for AFL into a professional career?
“I watched the other girls that were involved in various other AFLW teams for the last four years. I was at home playing Gaelic Football with my team Kerry while also studying at university. I had planned to come to Australia after that. When I finished college, it worked out and I had the opportunity to move here.”
Who do you credit for your success?
“I would partly say my parents; they’re big into sport themselves. They played Gaelic Football all their lives and they coached me growing up. My other three siblings at home play as well. They took me everywhere.”
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
“Probably getting picked on teams. Knowing that everything just doesn’t come easily and that you have to work for it. But it’s great to learn that from a young age playing sport because then you have that drive behind you.”
Can you recall the most defining moment of your life so far?
“When I was younger we won our first major championship. That was U16s and I had just turned 15. I wasn’t a key player in it but I played a part and it showed me where I can go when you work for it.”
If you weren’t playing AFL, what do you think you’d be doing?
“I’d be at home in the police force and still playing Gaelic Football with Kerry. They’re doing really well at the moment so it was tough to leave them but this was too big of an opportunity to miss.”
What are you most grateful for?
“I’m most grateful for being brought up in a sporting household. Getting every opportunity I could to play. Where I live at home is quite a rural area, I was getting the same chance as those from bigger towns. I would drive and hour and 40 minutes to get to Kerry training, three times a week, and getting home late. Getting the opportunity to play no matter where you’re from and my parents allowing me to do that.”
What is your most controversial opinion?
“Since I’ve got here, Vegemite on toast. I don’t like it all and everyone keeps trying to convince me, but I don’t they will.”
Whether you’re preparing for training or a match, do you have any superstitions or things you must do beforehand?
“I have a routine that I’ve gotten into. If I don’t do certain parts of it I feel like something might happen.”
In your own opinion, what are your greatest strengths?
“My competitive side both on and off the field. It’s my driving force for everything and gets me where I want to. I keep pushing and wanting to learn more.”
Who is your sports hero?
“That’s a tough one. There are different female and male players in Ireland that would qualify.”
The Sydney Swans will play their next home game at Henson Park THIS SUNDAY. Join us as we celebrate the Irish community and cheer on the team to their next victory.
