All Australian. VFLW Grand Finalist. GWV Rebels captain. Acclaimed Vic Country representative.
With such an impressive resume following a season bursting with opportunity, it’s no wonder Sophie Molan was chosen to be Richmond’s first ever AFLW draft selection.
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A tough, dependable, 175cm midfielder, Molan was taken by the Tigers with pick 7 in Tuesday’s NAB AFL Women’s Draft.
The 18-year-old from Ballarat said she was “honoured” to make Richmond history.
“I’m so stoked to be at Richmond and I can’t wait to see what the pre-season holds,” she said.
While she admits she had no idea what club she would end up at, Molan said she was “hopeful” it would be Richmond.
“I’d had a few chats to Tom (Tom Hunter - AFLW coach) and Kate (Kate Sheahan - Head of Women's Football) and all the staff but you never really know what’s going to happen,” she said.
On the field, Molan boasts versatility, competitiveness and elite ball-winning skills.
“I’m pretty clean on the ground and my handball out of the contest is pretty good, I think I’ll work well in the midfield,” she said.
Molan arrives at Tigerland well-prepared, after garnering senior level experience playing in the Western Bulldogs’ VFLW side this year.
“It taught me a lot, especially with the bigger bodies and how fast the game is compared to Under 18s,” she said.
“So, it was definitely a learning curve.”
Making the most of her time at the Bulldogs, Molan was rewarded for her outstanding form with a VFLW Grand Final berth.
She is confident the big game experience will hold her in good stead when she makes her AFLW debut.
“It’s a pretty big stage. To have the experience of playing in the big Grand Final in front of that many people, it reassures you that you can do it, and I (won’t) get too nervous when the day comes.”
Joining Molan in ihe inaugural Tigers’ AFLW list is Richmond’s third draft selection, Ella Wood, who was taken at pick 31.
Wood will be a familiar face around the Club for Molan. The duo played together at numerous levels this year, including the NAB league, VFLW and the national championships.
“We’ve done a lot together at the Rebels and Vic Country and at the Doggies,” Molan said.
“So, I’m pretty excited to continue this journey together.”
Following her year of captaincy at the GWV Rebels, Molan hopes her leadership traits are something she will continue to develop at Tigerland.
“I’m a pretty calm person, pretty ‘go with the flow’. I’m easy to get along with, so I’m really looking forward to meeting all the other girls and seeing what they’re like in person,” she said.
