Teacher drafted at 27 becomes AFLW captain, highlighting league's growth

Hannah Priest's transition from a high school teacher in Adelaide to the captain of the St Kilda AFLW team showcases the dramatic evolution of women's Australian rules football. Drafted at 27 in 2019, Priest was initially told by the club she "couldn't really kick, but we think you can learn."

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I might get drafted or I might not, but if you're okay just to give me a day off to give it a crack?

Her journey reflects the early days of the AFLW, where athletes often came from diverse sporting backgrounds like netball, swimming, basketball, and volleyball. Priest herself played netball before trying Australian rules football when the AFLW was introduced in 2017. She acknowledges that had she been just a few years older, she might have missed the opportunity to play professionally, unlike her mother who never had the chance.

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Absolutely, Hannah, go for it.

Within a year of her 2020 debut season, Priest was elevated to co-captain, and then took on the sole captaincy in 2022. She held this leadership role for six seasons, guiding the team through significant development, including their first finals appearance last year. Her experience contrasts with younger draftees who now benefit from established pathways and more developed athletic profiles.

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Miss Priest, what? You got drafted? What is this? We didn't even know you played football.

Priest's career trajectory underscores the AFLW's growth in professionalism and talent. She moved to Melbourne with uncertainty about playing time but ended up playing every game since her debut. Her story is a testament to the opportunities created by the league's expansion and the dedication of its pioneering athletes.

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I returned the next day, and all the kids were like, 'Miss Priest, what? You got drafted? What is this? We didn't even know you played football.'