The Bombers have seen an array of fresh faces enter the side in 2025, making the season ahead an exciting prospect.  

Amongst this list is Essendon’s first ever rookie signing Grace Brooker, who is no stranger to the professional sporting scene.  

For the past eight years, Brooker played professional rugby, including national appearances for the New Zealand Black Ferns.  

Now in the footy sphere, the 25-year-old has almost completed her first pre-season with the Dons and is learning the ropes with the guidance of her teammates. 

“It's been a massive learning experience. I'd say every day I'm getting feedback and I'm learning new things,” Brooker said.   

“It's been a massive growth period but it's been pretty awesome, because from rugby, I came from a space where it was the complete opposite.  

“I was the experienced one, I had really good knowledge around the game and then to flip the switch and come here and be the beginner was pretty crazy.  

“I haven't felt in this space for a long, long time so it's been great with the girls helping me out, and the coaches helping me out. Everyone’s just been so lovely.” 

Brooker’s repertoire revolves around her incredible strength and body use. 

The transition into AFL football however, has seen a big change in her skillset. Brooker acknowledges how she’s had to fight against her natural rugby instincts in some aspects of her game, and shares some of the biggest changes she’s encountered so far.  

“I think the biggest shock was the fitness and the handballing. It's very against my natural instinct to try and hit the ball out of my own hand,” Brooker said. 

“The kicking, I had a good base level with, that is just really fine tuning it and doing a lot more of it. 

“Those parts would be the biggest differences, but again, everyone's just been amazing, taking me under their wings and showing me everything that I need to work on and then also helping me celebrate the things that I'm getting better or like getting right.” 

Although new to the sport, Brooker is a true role model in the professional sporting space. 

Sure to influence the side with her experience, the versatile athlete emphasises the importance of taking the job seriously whilst soaking up all the exciting opportunities that come with being a Bomber.  

“The main reason I chose Essendon was around that person first mentality, you’re a person before player,” Brooker said. 

“So just keeping things light-hearted, but then on the flip to that, I have been a professional athlete for the last seven years, so really nailing the little things like recovery, nutrition, being on time to meetings, doing all those little one-percenters. 

“I'm definitely not in a leadership role here, but hopefully some of my actions and attitudes rub off on some of the younger girls, or the people who haven't been in a professional environment as much.” 

When asked about team influences, Brooker notes some of the influential personnel that are motivating and guiding the rookie into this new environment. 

“The coaches have been awesome with skills and really putting me right with the skillset,” Brooker said. 

“On the field, obviously Bonnie (Toogood’s) amazing, she's just a treasure trove of knowledge. 

“Then ‘Daz’ (Daria Bannister), she's also been really good for my mental side of things. She just tells me to relax and keep going.” 

With the end of pre-season in sight, Brooker highlights some exciting prospects that she thinks the team will deliver on the field this year.  

“We really want to work hard for that ball and put our bodies on the line for everything. So, I think there’s going to be some pretty exciting moments,” Brooker said. 

“I think we're starting to play a lot more with each other, learning each other's quality, so the ball movements are just a lot more natural and really flowing across the field.” 

Reflective of her experience so far, Brooker is positive about the team delivering in 2025 and is optimistic about her opportunity to make an impact on the field this season.  

“I'd love to get the chance to run on the field, I've just really enjoyed learning to be a better athlete,” Brooker said. 

“This game really celebrates the all-round athlete, you have to be fast, you have to be fit you have to be strong and accurate. 

“I'm very excited, you know, if I get to use my strength a lot and get out for the ball and really use my physicality up in the air. 

“It's been an absolute pleasure to dip my toe in so far and hopefully I get the opportunity to dive right in.”