With just under one month to go until the opening round of the 2025 AFLW season, the Dons have their sights set on the tail-end of their pre-season.
Young defender Mia Busch is particularly motivated to hit the ground running this season both personally and as a united front.
“As a team we've really developed a system that we all feel aligned with. I’m really excited to take our product up to the best,” Busch said.
“Personally I want to be extremely competitive in every contest and moment using my physicality. Being reliable in that as well as my skill execution.”
Reflective of her 2024 season, Busch emphasises the importance of equally prioritising both the physical and mental aspects of the game. The defender recognises last season as a period of learning and navigating this balance in a high-performance environment.
“I think it was a real learning opportunity personally for me last year. I felt like I had some great things in place which were working really well for me and I did get results.
“You put so much emphasis on your physical health, being as strong as you can, the fittest you can be and being up there to be the best. But I think for me where the mind shift was around mindset and mental health.
“I'm in a really good space and there’s great opportunities to learn from last year.”
Busch not only proved that she is a strong competitor in 2024 but also proved that she’s a natural leader. In-turn, Busch was voted in by her team as a member of the 2025 Emerging Leaders group alongside Amy Gaylor, Emily Gough and Georgia Clarke.
Busch is ready to influence the side both on and off the field, with a strong focus on creating a positive environment for the group.
“First of all, it’s such an honour. For me, one of my biggest reasons is my teammates, a great culture and an environment where everyone can be themselves and feel really safe and comfortable,” Busch said.
“What we're looking to bring for the team off-field is driving those standards; in the way we act and keeping each other accountable. Because at the end of the day, the standards you walk past are the standards you accept.
“We just want to push ourselves and everyone around us to be better and bring everyone along for the ride. If that looks like extra craft, conditioning or recovery sessions outside of footy or coming to breath-work classes; giving those opportunities to everyone.”
Facing adversity and challenges is part of the game, and when it comes to guiding individuals and the greater team through those hurdles, it’s the leadership team that sets the tone.
When asked about the leaders in the team, Busch shares her admiration for how they can push through difficult times and set a positive example for the rest of the group.
“I love the way Steph Wales goes about it, she leads by example with her actions, she is so thorough and detailed in everything she does,” Busch said.
“She's just done an ACL, but that hasn't stopped her. She's pivoted her goals and focuses through a different lens, and has attacked her own goals as well as helping the team and those around her reach theirs.
“Being led under Bonnie (Toogood) and Caino (Steph Cain) is just great as well, they've faced a lot adversity in the past and are able to help guide and lead the team to what I see, a successful future.”
For Busch, being a Bomber is more than just playing footy. Unity and connection are at the core of what drives her career at the Dons. Present and grateful, Busch is thankful for the connections and opportunities she’s had at the club so far.
“I often refer to the girls and the program as my family,” Busch said.
“Having the opportunity to be in an environment where you're with such passionate women and people across the coaching staff, and the people next to you who always want to be better and are open to learning, want to give you feedback and want to help you be a better person is a privilege.
“I definitely don't take it for granted the opportunities that this club has given me.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming 2025 AFLW season, Busch has her eyes on the prize and is itching to see the team unite and present their hard work to Bombers fans.
Optimistic about the year ahead, Busch is more than ready for the challenge.
“I'm just looking forward to seeing our product that we've worked so hard in pre-season to develop.
“We're not holding anything back this season. We’re hunting down those top teams and we want to be the best.”