It’s all she’s ever wanted.

When Stella Reid’s name was called out at pick No. 5 on Tuesday night’s AFLW Draft, she fulfilled a lifelong dream. 

Despite having represented Victoria in both cricket and hockey, it was football that won her heart over at an early age

"Footy’s always been my love and my passion. It’s the thing I’ve always known that I’ve wanted to do and give one hundred per cent to," Reid said.

"Being in that team environment with a whole group of girls and bonding on and off the field has been the one thing that’s pulled me in."

It was a multiple-screen set-up for Reid on draft night. As she watched the event on her television, she was connected with former teammates on Zoom, and another group of friends on Facetime, all ready to congratulate her when her time came. 

While she says the moment when Richmond selected her is all a blur, her emotion was "ecstatic".

"I’m so excited to be a Tiger," she said.

"The whole experience was surreal and having everyone around me (on Zoom) was amazing, even though we weren’t together.

"The Club has been so welcoming...I can’t wait to get stuck into it."

The now-17-year-old started her journey at the Kew Comets as a junior, where she showed her wares as a Best & Fairest winner and Yarra Junior Football League representative. 

Since then, the midfielder has built up a resume that includes a 2021 NAB League premiership with the Oakleigh Chargers, Vic Metro representation, and being named in the U/19 All Australian side.

The midfielder/forward, who stands at 173cm, offers plenty of versatility and is known for her strong overhead mark and classy left-foot kick. 

After an injury-riddled 2019, followed by a COVID-19-interrupted 2020, Reid soaked up every opportunity in 2021.

One of her most impressive performances came when playing for Vic Metro against Vic Country, where she gathered 23 disposals, taking six marks and kicking two goals.

She also featured once for Collingwood at VFLW level, collecting 13 disposals and four rebound-50s.  

Leadership comes naturally to the former Oakleigh Chargers and Victorian vice-captain, and is a characteristic she prides herself on.

"I’ve always done leadership roles at school," the Balwyn High School Year 12 student said. 

"I think it’s very important to get around the girls and lift everyone up. Being a role model to the young women coming through football is just incredible...just the impact I can have on people."

Football runs in the family, with her uncle Simon Arnott a former AFL player with Sydney and Geelong. 

"He’s been really helpful with providing some tips, he called up (on draft night) to say congratulations and he was really excited," Reid said.

"(And) my parents have been absolutely incredible providing me with every single opportunity, they’ve been the biggest support and I can’t wait to go through this journey with them."

Reid arrives at the Club alongside a familiar face in Emelia Yassir, Richmond’s second selection in the draft (pick No. 16), the two having played for Vic Metro together. 

"She’s great, an absolute jet. She’s an amazing player and I can’t wait to be a teammate of hers," Reid said of Yassir. 

And as she looks towards her first season in the Yellow and Black, Reid said she'll be relishing each and every moment. 

"The Tiger Army can look forward to seeing someone absolutely taking on everything, kicking goals, getting as many possessions (as I can) and celebrating when we can," she said.