Isabella Eddey (born 11 February 2002) is an Australian rules footballer playing for North Melbourne in the AFL Women's. She grew up in Melbourne’s bayside suburbs and attended Haileybury College.
| Bella Eddey | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Eddey with North Melbourne in March 2021 | |||
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Isabella Eddey | ||
| Date of birth | 11 February 2002 | ||
| Original team(s) | Sandringham Dragons (NAB League Girls) | ||
| Draft | No. 13, 2020 AFLW draft | ||
| Debut | Round 1, 2021, North Melbourne vs. Geelong, at GMHBA Stadium | ||
| Height | 162 cm (5 ft 4 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | North Melbourne | ||
| Number | 3 | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 2021– | North Melbourne | 47 (17) | |
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of the 2023 season. | |||
| Source: AustralianFootball.com | |||
Junior career
editAs a junior, Eddey played as an outside midfielder for the Sandringham Dragons in the NAB League Girls and also represented her region, Vic Metro, at the AFLW Under 18 Championships.[1] In 2020, she played three matches in the NAB League, amassing an average of 17.7 disposals,[2] and earning an invitation to the Victorian AFLW draft combine.[3] However, restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic would ultimately force the rest of the NAB League season and the Victorian combine to be cancelled.[4]
Despite these interruptions, several commentators considered Eddey an elite prospect, likely to be selected early in the 2020 AFLW draft. Kevin Sheehan ranked Eddey among his top 30 potential draftees, noting her "silky skills", goal sense, composure, and footwork in contested situations.[2] Sarah Black, a womens.afl journalist, concurred with Sheehan's praise and also highlighted Eddey's targeted passes and strong running ability. She predicted Eddey would be selected around pick 16 in the 2020 draft.[1]
AFLW career
editEddey would ultimately be recruited a few picks earlier than Black's prediction by North Melbourne, who selected her with pick 13 in the 2020 draft, their first selection.[5] She made her debut in the opening round of the 2021 season against Geelong, kicking her first goal by capitalising on a loose ball in the goalsquare.[6] It was revealed she signed on with the club for two more seasons on 17 June 2021, tying her to the club until the end of 2023.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b Black, Sarah (6 October 2020). "Sarah Black's 2020 Phantom Draft: Late mail, your club's whispers". womens.afl. Telstra Media. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ a b Sheehan, Kevin (1 October 2020). "Talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan reveals his top draft prospects". womens.afl. Telstra Media. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ Balmer, Matt (4 September 2020). "Draft Combine: Tigers father-son prospect headlines list of 96 players invited". Fox Sports. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ Black, Sarah (29 September 2020). "DIY time trials: The Victorian Combine with a difference". womens.afl. Telstra Media. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ "AFLW: Pick 13 - Isabella Eddey". nmfc.com.au. Telstra Media. 6 October 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ Cleary, Mitch (31 January 2021). "Ruthless Roos run rings around Cats in dominant win". womens.afl. Telstra Media. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- ^ Zanardo, Karla (17 June 2021). "AFLW: Roos eye the future". North Media. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
External links
edit
- Bella Eddey's profile on the official website of the North Melbourne Football Club
- Bella Eddey at AustralianFootball.com