As of 2023, Nalu Brothwell hadn’t paid much notice to a Sherrin before.

Fast forward three years and the 18-year-old has found herself entrenched onto an exciting AFLW list with Essendon, acclimatising nicely to the standards of the elite level in her first pre-season after a meteoric leap through the ranks. 

Picking up the game alongside twin sister Mizuki (drafted to the Dogs on the same night), Brothwell has emerged as a bolter in the Bombers’ forward half and has looked among their most promising performers over the course of three practice matches. 

A dynamic forward target, Brothwell possesses fantastic athleticism and continues to be a sponge for knowledge within the group.

Her effort against two-time reigning premiers North Melbourne a fortnight ago did her hopes of an early season debut no harm either – 13 touches at 84 per cent (and a goal) showing her potential. 

We sat down with her on the eve of her first AFLW campaign. 

Brothwell on… the jump to AFLW 

It’s definitely been a huge step up but I kind of expected that it was going to be a much higher level of intensity.

Everyone’s been so quick to bring me under their wings and just show me the ropes – not setting expectations but just giving me the stepping stones for improving as the pre-season’s gone on – I’ve definitely found it great.

I just love that intensity and the hard work of it all.

Brothwell on… a family experience 

It's always good having someone so close to you (in Mizuki) going into the same situation. 

It’s such a huge step for the both of us, you're not exactly comparing but you’re always just talking about how we're both feeling in running situations, fitness, a lot of our skills-based stuff.

Knowing that we're at similar levels and going through the shared experiences, it definitely gives you a lot of comfort that it's not just you – everyone’s kind of in the same boat.

Brothwell on… learning from the Bombers 

It’s definitely much easier when you have someone like Bonnie in the forward line.

As well as all the other girls like ‘Buschy’, ‘Magic’, they’re all big on communication up there, getting me in the right spots and looking out for me if I'm ever a bit confused, it’s really comforting. 

It boosts your confidence. You know that if you’re all doing your job or your roles, it’ll all just kind of work. 

Brothwell on… adapting to higher levels so early in her footy journey 

When you jump up to better and higher-level leagues, it just forces you to get better.

Everyone around you is at that level as well and you're at the bottom working your way up. 

It was very exciting to actually get a go against the top team (in our Official Practice Match). It’s always good to play against sides like that because it does build more confidence when you can actually stack yourself up against the best players in the comp.

You really have to hold that standard against them. Even though we didn't have the result, we felt there were times when we held it up to them pretty well. 

Brothwell on… debut dreams 

I'm hoping that I can get a go in that forward line during the season, that would be a great start. 

We’ve just worked so hard over this pre-season, and now coming into round one, just getting a run at it with these girls would be so great. 

It’s exciting because there are a lot of young players in our side and I think we all strive to make each other better. Working together, building our way up and hoping that we get to line up in round one. 

Even if we don't, we just make sure we're there for each other.