Tiger young gun, Ally Dallaway, will celebrate her 50th AFLW game this Saturday, when Richmond takes on North Melbourne under lights at IKON Park.
Dallaway has been an integral part of Richmond, bringing her speed and competitiveness to the Swinburne Centre across her two seasons.
The inside midfielder first earned her way onto the GWS Giants AFLW list in 2022, where she went on to play 30 consecutive games.
Dallaway then entered through the Swinburne Centre doors in 2024 and has since played 19 games in the yellow and black, proving herself in the side’s engine room, with her elite two-way running ability and intent to win the ball.
The 26-year-old has missed only one game in her AFLW career, after being dropped in Round 2 this season - a moment she said reignited her determination to return to her best form.
“It’s always really tough going through being dropped,” Dallaway said on the Moments that Make Us podcast.
“No one ever really wants to experience it, but it was a real eye-opener for me to never take the opportunity for granted and to always be grateful for your spot in the team.
“Being dropped after Round 1 was a tough pill to swallow, and I had to really look at my game and look at where I needed to get better and how I can play my role for the team.”
Dallaway was recalled to the side in the Round 3 Dreamtime in Darwin clash with Essendon, where she wasted no time returning to her best football.
Despite the team's loss, she delivered a standout performance, transitioning from her usual midfield role to a fast and explosive winger. She thrived in the role, recording 18 disposals, five intercepts and 113 meters gained.
“Getting the call that I was back in the team, I wasn't expecting to be on the wing,” Dallaway said.
“I just went into Darwin with an open mind and then sure enough it was confirmed that I was going to play on the wing.
“I think coming into that game, I didn’t put any pressure on myself. I just went in with a completely free mindset, and it was nice coming in to try a new position.
“It had been a few years since I played on the wing. I debuted on the wing when I was at the Giants, so I think I just had full freedom, and I really enjoyed my footy in that game.”
Be there to support Dallaway and the Tigers, as they wear Kate Dempsey’s specially designed Pride jumper against North Melbourne at IKON Park this Saturday night from 7:15pm. Buy Tickets HERE.
