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.
With nerves of steel, a relentless work rate and footy smarts on the field, Lucy McEvoy was made to play AFLW. Now in her fifth season it comes as no surprise that the defender wouldn’t know what she’d be doing otherwise. But according to the 22-year-old, she’s driven by people.
In her first year with the Sydney Swans McEvoy was appointed co-captain alongside Chloe Molloy. A testament to her ability to develop connections. Here she discusses what to this achievement, how she plays smarter, not harder, and why Titanic is just not that good a movie.
At what point did you realise you could take your passion for AFL into a professional career?
“When AFLW was established, I was 14 or 15 at the time. Prior to then it was never a possibility. It was then that I thought I could turn into a career post-school. I have a twin brother, so we played AusKick together and did any sport growing up and footy was the one that I loved the most.”
Who do you credit for your success?
“A lot of people. My family of course but also junior footy clubs and junior teams I played with. All those coaches along the journey that help build you as a player and teach you different things."
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
“That’s a great question… money doesn’t grow on trees? Mum and Dad used to say it but it wasn’t until I was older that money doesn’t grow on trees and that you have to work hard for it and be smart with it.”
Can you recall the most defining moment of your life so far?
“I would say getting drafted and finishing school happened in the same week. That was a pretty cool week.”
If you weren’t playing AFL, what do you think you’d be doing?
“I’m not sure. Outside of footy I’d like to explore different things, finding out what I’m good at and what I’m passionate about. I’m currently an IT consultant and that’s great because it comes with variety – no day is the same – which I like. I never thought I’d end up in that.”
What are you most grateful for?
“I’m grateful for a lot of things. The life that I get to live, I get to play football for a job and I get to work another job and study. I get to meet cool people and cross paths with so many different personalities and I love that. I love getting to talk to people. My job and the opportunities that come with it.”
What is your most controversial opinion?
“Titanic the movie is overrated. It’s an alright movie but it’s not what everyone builds it up to be. It’s so long.”
Whether you’re preparing for training or a match, do you have any superstitions or things you must do beforehand?
“I always have to have a kick before the game but that’s pretty standard for a lot of my players – outside of the team warmup that is. I take a couple of pairs of boots just to make sure they’re comfy. I’m happy to change them after a warmup.”
In your own opinion, what are your greatest strengths?
“On the field I’d like to say it’s my footy smarts. I definitely bank on playing and training smarter and not harder. Off the field, my people skills. I can get along with people of all ages and backgrounds and I love building relationships with lots of different people.”
Who is your sports hero?
“There’s so many but I’d have to go with Kobe Bryant. He’s the GOAT. He was just so ruthless and went about his business.”
