Richmond youngster Isabel Bacon is thriving in her first season at AFLW level. 

Speaking on the ‘Balls n All’ podcast following her side’s draw with Essendon at TIO Stadium last Saturday night, Bacon said she was "pinching (herself) every day” to be an AFLW player.

“It's been a very fun season as a first-year player and I'm just loving it so much,” the 19-year-old said.

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Isabel Bacon on Balls n All

Isabel Bacon joins the Ball n All podcast following the Week 9 clash against Essendon.

Growing up playing a variety of sports, Bacon said it has been gratifying to “fall in love with footy all over again”.

“I remember growing up I wanted to play every sport possible and I'm very grateful that I had that determination to try anything I could,” she said.

"Playing almost every game this season…. it's been very cool to see my progress and improvement (this year).”

Selected with Richmond’s first selection (pick No. 13) in the 2023 AFLW Draft out of the Sandringham Dragons, Bacon described AFLW level as “a huge step-up" from Coates League and junior footy.

“It’s definitely what I expected, but it was an eye opener to see what (AFLW) pre-season is actually like, how hard it is and how determined all the girls are to put in 100%,” Bacon said.

“But I've loved every moment of it, and it’s been a lot of a lot of fun as well.”

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Fulton Hogan Fast Track Trivia: Isabel Bacon

Get to know first year Tiger Isabel Bacon thanks to Fulton Hogan's Fast Track Trivia.

Throughout her first year at Richmond, Bacon has particularly enjoyed the opportunities to bond with her teammates through interstate travel.

“I love traveling with the team,” she said.

“I did a couple of travels last year with Sandringham, but not as much as this year…it's honestly a different experience getting to stay with the team, go out and just be together for the whole day.

“I think it does (help with team cohesion). We’re all very connected, we all mesh well together, and we don't mind whatever happens. We just want to go out there and play good footy."

Since arriving at Tigerland, Bacon has looked up to Tamara Luke and Beth Lynch.

“I love Tamara Luke. She's really been like a mother figure this year, coming in later she's taught me a lot,” Bacon said.

“I'd also say Beth Lynch. I try to model my game off hers.

“She’s such a good footy player, gives it her all and is a tackling machine as well.

“So it's very cool to train alongside her and just pick her brain.”