Meet North Melbourne Kangaroos star Ash Riddell

If you have been following along, AFLW Season 2022 is its biggest yet with every team in the comp having a Women's side competing for the flag. Blue Dinosaur is proud to sponsor the North Melbourne Kangaroos for a second year running & with the girls currently sitting in 5th spot with 1 game to go before Finals we thought it would be great to give you an insight into the life one of their stars. 

Your name and what you do?

I play for North Melbourne AFLW Team and during the day I work full time as a Primary School Teacher in Eltham.

 

What does the perfect day (doing your sport) look like to you?

A perfect day in AFLW would be playing a match at Arden Street Oval in front of a big North crowd. Having my family and friends in the watching makes it even more special. Then it's made even better if the sun is shinning and when we manage to get the win!

When was the last time you experienced something like that? (perfect day) & can you give us an insight?

We were lucky enough to play a few teams last season at Arden Street and have multiple wins. It is so special running out in front of a home crowd with so many familiar faces cheering you on. I love the excitement on the kids faces when meeting them after the game. It is so special that girls now have a pathway to play at the elite level!

 

What age were you & how did you get into (your sport)?

I started playing Auskick when i was 7 years old. My dad inspired me to get involved and I fell in love with the sport. Unfortunately when I was 12 years old girls could no longer play football with the boys so I had to quit. I only returned to football when I was 19 as more women's teams became available to play at. I haven't looked back since!

Do you have a specific career highlight that stands out above the rest?

It'd be winning the our first final against Collingwood just before COVID hit in 2020. Although there were no fans allowed inside, the atmosphere among the playing group was electric. It was so pleasing to see all our hard work pay off.

 

What is the ultimate goal you are looking to achieve in your sport?

The ultimate goal would be to win a premiership as a North Melbourne AFLW player.

Is there anything specific you are currently working on, or need to work on to achieve that goal?

I continue to try to enhance my knowledge of the game by seeking feedback from those I trust. I always try to find time to complete any extra skill work that can help to progress my game.

 

Who inspires you to chase your dreams every day?

My family and friends inspire me the most to achieve my dreams. They have been my greatest support system throughout the journey and I'm continually motivated to make them proud of me.

Do you have a favourite Blue Dinosaur Bar or Bite?

Lamington is the best then Banana Bread!

 

If you could create our next Bar, what would it be?

Anything chocolate related :)

Follow Ash's finals journey on her socials here