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.
Brenna Tarrant will be the first to admit that she’s a “mad” Sydney Swans supporter. Even before the AFLW league was announced in 2017 it was her dream to play for the red and white. Now she’s just one of a few to have played every game since the women’s team was established in 2022.
On the eve of the squad’s first ever NAB AFLW Finals Series we caught up with Tarrant on the secret sauce to her success (but best believe it goes in the fridge).
1. At what point did you realise you could take your passion for AFL into a professional career?
“I started playing when I was 13. I always wanted to play professional sport like a lot of kids, but I honestly felt that I really could take it to the next level when I was 16 and they announced the new AFLW league. I always wanted to play for the Sydney Swans before that, but there was never a pathway.”
2. Who do you credit for your success?
“A million people. There are so many people that I could thank for where I am right now. Dad, he helped me get all my hours when I was on my L-plates going to and from training, and the commitment getting me to training and school. There are also coaches that took a gamble on me and my career.”
3. What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
“Success isn’t just given to you, you have to work hard for it. And you don’t have to do it on your own.”
4. Can you recall the most defining moment of your life so far?
“It’s hard to narrow it down to one but I’d say moving back to Sydney, my hometown. When I got the opportunity to come home and play for the Swans that was big. One, for stability and two, because I’m a mad fan.”
5. If you weren’t playing AFL, what do you think you’d be doing?
“I’d say probably explore elite swimming. I did a lot of competitive swimming growing up or I would have pursued university and be in the agriculture sector.”
6. What are you most grateful for?
“I’m most grateful for where I live and the opportunities I’ve been given. We live in such a safe part of the world especially at the moment, and where I’m allowed to play football, and allows me to work.”
7. What is your most controversial opinion?
“That sauce goes in the fridge.”
8. Whether you’re preparing for training or a match, do you have any superstitions or things you must do beforehand?
“Not particularly. I used to have heaps. I had to wear my hair a certain way, wear white boots, wear zinc and get my strapping at a certain time. I stopped that this year mainly because I used to rely on it to play well."
9. In your own opinion, what are your greatest strengths?
“Both on and off the field I’d say communication and my ability to just talk to people. On the field be able to guide people. I guess that comes with experience. I know I’ve played a good game when I’ve spoken to almost everyone out there on the field and helped the backline out.”
10. Who is your sports hero?
“Probably Jess Fox. I absolutely love her. She went to one of my high schools growing up and she so happened to surprise me when I was in a meeting once. I burst into tears. I didn’t realise she was an idol at that stage until the moment happened and now I look up to her.”
