08 APR 2025 Rising Star

In an inspiring journey involving talent, dedication and resilience, Anabel Tully, a Year 11 student at Kolbe, has made waves in the work of Australian Rules Football by being selected for the Calder Cannons AFL team.

Anabel began her football journey in 2022, playing for enjoyment rather than competitive aspirations. “I started just for fun,” she recalls, noting that by the end of that first year, she earned recognition from the EDFL interleague team, a significant step for any young athlete. As she progressed into her second season, she finished as the second-best and fairest player on her team. However, facing a setback when she wasn’t selected for the Calder Cannons Future Stars squad didn’t dampen her spirit. “It didn’t really bother me too much because I didn’t care who I played for; as long as I could play, I was happy,” Anabel shared.

This optimism propelled her to even greater heights in her third season, where she secured the third best and fairest title for her team, even while feeling she had an ordinary season. That’s when the tides turned. In October 2024, a life-changing email arrived from Calder Cannons, inviting her to trial for the team. After a week of intense training and subsequently playing a trial match, Annabel was thrilled to be offered a preseason training spot. This led to a fulfilling summer of training and ultimately, her selection for the 2025 season.

Confidence has been a central theme in Anabel’s journey. She faced challenges, particularly in her previous season, where she often doubted her performance. “Despite all the support from my family and friends, I still thought I wasn’t playing well,” she admitted. The negative feedback from coaches and being played out of position affected her self-esteem. However, her perseverance shone through as she pushed herself, ultimately seeing a boost in her confidence when offered a chance to train with the Cannons.

Anabel credits her parents as her most significant supporters. “They are always pushing me to be my best, helping me with at-home programs, and driving me to and from games and training,” she explained. Their initial hesitation to let her play football transformed into steadfast support, underscoring the vital role of family in her athletic journey.

Being part of the Calder Cannons team holds immense significance for Anabel. “I have worked so hard to be the best player that I can be, and being selected in their team proves to myself that I can do it,” she expressed with pride. The growth of women’s AFL is equally important to her. Reflecting on her early experiences, she noted, “I remember when I played Auskick, I was one of the only girls in the group, and no one ever passed me the ball. Now, there’s a spike in interest from girls in the game, with multiple teams forming at clubs.”

Juggling academics, football, and other commitments can be daunting, but Anabel has found a way to manage her time effectively. “I normally get most of my study and homework done as soon as I get home from school, then I do whatever activity I have that night and get in as much study as I can before I go to bed,” she explained. This approach allows her to maintain a balance, keeping the two aspects of her life separate to ensure focus.

Looking ahead, Anabel aspires to achieve personal growth and development during her time with the Calder Cannons. “I would love to get drafted into a team in the next few years, but in reality, I just want to improve my game as much as I can and develop myself as a person.” Her commitment to growth, alongside the strong sense of community among her teammates, reinforces her belief that success is about more than just accolades - it’s about becoming the best version of oneself.