A Northam teenager is one to watch over the coming 12 months after being selected to represent the state in the WA Under 18s Women's AFL team.
Maddie Weatherby's rise to professional football has almost happened overnight, sparking from a selection in the women's development academy.
"I used to just kick the footy around the backyard," Maddie said.
"When I moved to Northam, four years ago, one of the sport teachers saw something in me and encouraged me to play football.
"Another teacher told me about a girls team in Mundaring so I went to go play down there until I was too old and accepted into the development academy.
"I met a few people there who said I should come and play for East Perth - that is who I play for now."
The recent Northam Senior High School graduate said her football development was hindered by the lack of a female team in her local area.
"I found it really hard to play football as a girl in Northam - there was nowhere to play," Maddie said.
"The higher up you get in the sport the more travel you have to do - you have to love it."
Maddie said her involvement in the development academy opened up doors to play in the WAFL, which ultimately led to her selection in the state team.
"A lot of the selection is through the academy and your WAFL games each week," she said.
"You have the footy commission come to your games and they have been looking at me the whole season."
The full-back and centre-half-forward will be eligible for AFLW draft next year and said playing for the state team would give her a chance to be scouted by interstate clubs.
Maddie has had a lot of local support with real estate agent Bob Davey and butcher Andrew 'Quinny' Quinn sponsoring her AFL journey.
"I had to get approval from the clubs and the footy commission before I could play for them because I lived out of area," she said.
"It was a few days before the first game and I hadn't payed my fees yet because I didn't know if I was allowed to play.
"I don't think I could have been able to do it without them - even the moral support they have given throughout the season has been amazing.
"I'd like to thank Jamie Villamagna and the coaching team at East Perth for giving me the opportunity and nomination for the development academy, which gave me the chance to be selected for state."
Maddie also was quick to thank her mother Kathy, who has clocked up more than 70,000km during 2019 driving to training and games in Perth.
