Thuringowa Bulldogs co-captain Jessee Gwynne will play her 100th Parry NQ Women’s Cup Senior match today in Townsville. In doing so, she becomes the first female player to notch up a century of senior footy games in AFL Townsville history.
We caught up with her to talk about this fantastic achievement and all things footy…….
Nickname?
Gwynney
Started footy?
2015
Position on the field?
Centre Half-Back rotating into the mids. I used to be a forward but I prefer the backline now.
What does it feel like to about to be the first female player to play 100 senior games in AFL Townsville?
It’s feels awesome! It’s been a long road and a lot has changed. But I love that I can reach this milestone with the amazing women in my team beside me. I could not have done this without them.
What drew you to footy?
Footy is in my blood. My family is from Victoria and my Dad is a decent AFL Coach. I’ve grown up around football and decided to play in the local competition once I finished high school.
What is it about footy that you love?
I love the comradery of football. I love being apart of a team and playing a sport that is about supporting each other and raising each other up. I love the contact aspect of the sport and that there is no sport in the world like AFL.
Which team do you like playing against the most?
Every team is different and each team plays a different type of game. I most enjoy playing a clean, hard game of football no matter who I play.
Who are some of your favourite players you’ve played with and against?
Where do I start? I have played with and against so many amazing women over the years. Madison Goodwin – was my Captain for three years and to see where she is now with her football makes me very proud of her. Ruby McDowell – back in 2015, Ruby played for the Hawks and still to this day is one of the strongest competitors I’ve come up against.
How has footy changed over the years since your junior years?
Unfortunately, I never played junior footy, but I did do Auskick when I was in primary school. I do love watching the youth girls play at the club and watching that there is now a pathway for young girls to develop.
Any advice to the young boys and girls playing now?
Back yourself in. Give everything a try. You won’t know if you can do something untill you try it. Learn to love the game not just the win.
The Bulldogs are coming late for a finals spot, what are your thoughts on the rest of the year?
It’s going to be close. It will come down to the last game of the year I think for our team. The team has had a shift and now believe in themselves and each other and that really shows out of the field. I am very excited to see what the remainder of the year holds for “The Blue Machine”.
Gwynny will play her 100th game at Riverway Stadium on Saturday, 7th August at 3:50pm when the Thuringowa Bulldogs take on the Northern Beach Suns.
