The countdown is almost over for opening round of the AFLW season, with Essendon taking on the Giants in Canberra this Saturday.  

Dons key defender Ellyse Gamble is stepping into her tenth season, her fourth with the Bombers. With a wealth of experience behind her, Gamble is ready to bring her professionalism to the season ahead. 

The key defender shares her pre-season insights. 

“This pre-season, it's been tough as expected and challenging in different ways,” Gamble said.  

“It's been a really great time to continue to work on and refine our game plan, the way we want to play our football and move the ball. 

“We've been working on integrating our new players into our system, really connecting with them, learning about them as footballers and how we can play to each other's strengths.” 

With nine draftees on the list this year, having an experienced player like Gamble amongst the group is invaluable for the newbies. Gamble highlights the importance balancing the nerves and excitement towards the end of pre-season, whilst soaking in every moment. 

“All of our young girls have carried themselves so well and they've been doing so well this pre-season,” Gamble said. 

“What we're seeing now with these young girls coming into the AFLW system, is that they're raring to go and they're a lot more ready due to the pathways that are now in place.  

“I know for me, this is my tenth season and even being one of the most experienced players, I still get quite nervous before every game. So, it's just learning different strategies we share with each other on how to manage that, so it doesn't impact your performance negatively.” 

The launch of AFLW has created many opportunities for the future generations of the game, and inaugural players like Gamble have been key influences in growing the game into what it is today.  

Reaching a milestone achievement of 50 games in 2024, Gamble is reflective on her career so far and shares what it’s been like to watch the league grow from the very beginning. 

“Even from being inaugural player and first getting drafted, I never would have envisaged being part of the AFLW for ten seasons as I have done, and even achieving a milestone such as 50 games,” Gamble said. 

“We can all see how much the game has evolved over the years and it is really special to look back. 

“I'm a teacher outside of footy as well, so you see at school, girls from younger age, they're passionate about football and they know that they can pursue that to a higher level. 

“I'm seeing in these girls through the secondary school age where I teach, girls are choosing to pursue a footy career, and they're really committed and passionate about it from a younger age.” 

After Essendon’s two official practice matches against Collingwood and North Melbourne, the key defender highlights some key learnings that the side will be taking into opening round.  

“I think we've shown to ourselves that our ability to compete in the contest is great, our ball movement and the way we want to play looks good,” Gamble said. 

“We take a lot of confidence in that when we're at our best, but it's probably just making sure that we can find that consistency for four quarters and take it up to the best.” 

Looking ahead, Gamble is confident that the side will be fierce competitors this year and is itching to play in front of a home crowd at Windy Hill.   

“What you'll see from us this season is being ultimate competitors, we just want to compete, whether it's in the air on the ground, we've got a really big focus on being competitors,” Gamble said. 

“I think as always as players it's been amazing playing more games at Windy Hill, and we absolutely love playing there, bringing that energy and passion, and connecting with our fans and the community.”  

Show your support for the Dons at their first home game at Windy Hill on Sunday 24 August against West Coast! Grab your tickets now here.