Tara Murray
Western Jets’ Stephanie Asciak is looking to make the most of her last season with the Western Jets in the NAB League Girls competition.
Asciak will be one of the Jets key players this season and is looking to build on her previous seasons.
“It’s so exciting,” she said. “I’ve been there for four years.
“Coming into my last year, it’s pretty sad but exciting at the same time. I’ll definitely give it my all and hopefully I can make it to the top.”
Having been part of the program for four seasons, Asciak has seen the development not only in her own football, but across the board.
She said the competition was a lot different to what it was when she first began.
“It has developed so much,” she said.
“The level of footy wasn’t as good at the start as it is now. There’s been a lot of learning and development with the girls playing more football.
“The skill level is getting better.”
Asciak and her teammates returned to the track earlier this month, ahead of the season getting underway.
With changes to the NAB League, games have started much earlier than they normally would.
“It’s been exciting getting back to training,” she said.
“The heat is something we need to adjust to. Some of the training sessions have been warm, it has been a struggle, but it’s something we will adapt to.”
Asciak, whose local club is Caroline Springs, said there had been some really encouraging signs from within the playing group.
She said they had really built the last few years and were looking forward to a big season.
“There’s so much talent,” she said.
“We have our eyes on finals this year, as we just missed out last year on making finals,” she said.
“We really want to make finals and we’ll put our heads down. We’re really determined to reach that goal.”
Personally, it will be big year for Asciak.
She has her sights set on playing for Vic Metro at the under-18 national championships having previously played in the under-16 team.
Asciak will also play with Essendon in the Victorian Football League women’s competition.
“At one club I’m the oldest and the other club I’m the youngest,” she said.
“I think someone passed my name onto Essendon and I did a few training sessions with them.
“They offered me a contract.
“The speed of the game and the IQ of the game is a bit different.
“There’s the bigger bodies and the professionalism of the players. It takes some adjusting to.”
The Jets will start their season on Sunday against the Tasmania Devils after a bye in round one.
Tara Murray
