From Black Fern No.214 to Essendon rookie No.1.

In an AFLW landscape filled to the brim with unique debut stories, Grace Brooker’s adds another international chapter.

Set to make her first appearance in the big time when the Bombers venture to WA to face Fremantle on Saturday, the 26-year-old only picked up a footy thanks to her father’s passion for the game, but the dramatic code switch has proven to bear fruit.

Across the past eight years, Brooker’s professional career in rugby has spanned across elite teams including Canterbury, Matatu, and a recent stint with Yokohama TKM in Japan, but her proudest achievement came in the form of her four tests representing the New Zealand Black Ferns.

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AFLW Rd 6 | Brooker to Don the sash

Hear from Grace Brooker as she prepares to debut for Essendon in round 6.

Establishing relationships with figures such as the Dons’ Senior Coach Natalie Wood over the course of the last year since signalling her intent to shift to footy, Brooker’s athletic traits were an immediate standout in building her game.

At 173cm, her presence and explosiveness already make her a versatile prospect for the Club, but her scope for improvement in a first pre-season at the level has been just as impressive to teammates.

Already a beloved personality in a tight playing group, Brooker’s raring for her first exposure to the highest level – especially after being jumped with the news in front of the entire program ahead of training this week.

“I was shaking like a leaf, I had tears in my eyes. I was so excited,” Brooker said.

“I can’t even express how amazing the girls have been, everyone’s welcomed me in with open arms and been so kind, so caring – being patient with me learning the game.

“I don’t think you can put something like (running out in the red and black) into words. To don the sash is pretty spcial, there’s a whole history around it. I’ll be floating on air, it’ll be like putting on a superhero cape.”

In a side that’s already hosted cross-code success stories such as Georgia Nanscawen and Brooke Walker, Brooker’s story is the next one to catch the eye of Bomber fans.

Keep your eyes peeled for the No.32 from 3:05pm on Saturday afternoon.