As we continue our second season of the AFLW, we bring you our a profile 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.
Aliesha Newman might be one of the Sydney Swans most experienced AFLW athletes with eight seasons under her belt, but according to the lightning quick forward she was forced to grow up long before she became a regular on the track.
Ahead of Marn Grook Round at Henson Park, we spoke with the proud Ningy Ningy woman on her rise to success, game day superstitions and meeting her heroes.
At what point did you realise you could take your passion for AFL into a professional career?
“That’s a good question. I played soccer beforehand and fell into the AFLW, so my path into football was a bit different to everyone else. I had always wanted to be a professional athlete. Growing up I did athletics and soccer – I wanted to play for the Matildas or run in the Olympics – so I always had high hopes of playing sport.”
Who do you credit for your success?
"I credit Mum as I was growing up for taking me places, paying for nationals when we didn’t grow up with a hell of a lot.
“I would also credit a few of my coaches. My Little Athletics coach Stu was a big influence on me and helped me understand the hard work that I needed to put in to succeed. And my first line coach at Melbourne Football Club, Peter Mercoulia, was a big influence on me as well. He’s had a personal and professional impact on me.”
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
“I’ve learnt a lot. I guess making sure the harder you work, the more successful you will be. Understanding that you can’t just sit back and use natural talent as an outlet – you have to work hard.”
Can you recall the most defining moment of your life so far?
“Having to grow up quicker. When I was younger, we took on my two cousins and now I have an adopted little sister as well. Understanding what it means to be an adult earlier than what I needed to be. It’s something I wouldn’t change, and it’s probably helped me in good stead now.”
If you weren’t playing AFL, what do you think you’d be doing?
“I would be playing sports still. I’d still be playing soccer, I think. I got over athletics pretty quickly, I realised I should be in team sports than individual sports.”
What are you most grateful for?
“I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. Being able to be in this space, take the opportunities, being able to meet so many people that have opened doors for me and helped me within my career.”
What is your most controversial opinion?
“Whether you have butter with Nutella on toast. Half my family prefers butter, but I have it with no butter. You lose the flavour.”
Whether you’re preparing for training or a match, do you have any superstitions or things you must do beforehand?
“I have to eat pasta the night before I compete. I’ve done that ever since I was young. I also put my mouthguard in my left sock. It’s never in my right and if it is I think I’ve lost my marbles – I haven’t lost them yet. And ever since I’ve played at the Swans i've worn a long sleeve.”
In your own opinion, what are your greatest strengths?
“On field it’s my speed and taking the game on. My kicking is pretty accurate as well. Off the field I enjoy forming connections with the group and getting around everybody. Being that clown and having fun with the group. I’m friends with everyone and there isn’t anyone is the team that I wouldn’t go have a coffee with.”
Who is your sports hero?
“I had two growing up. When I was going athletics Cathy Freeman was a big role model for me, and Kyah Simon as well who plays for the Matildas. I’ve been lucky enough to meet both. They say you shouldn’t meet your role models, but they were both unreal.”
This profile series is presented by Bing Lee.
