Injury Curse Character Building For CarysWednesday, May 7, 2025 - 8:57 AM

One of the most talented AFLW Draft prospects from WA, Carys D’Addario deserves a change of luck.

Injuries have produced several setbacks in her quest to represent WA at National Championship level.

“I’ve had a bad run with injuries in the last couple of years,” D’Addario said.

“Missing out on the 16’s Championship two weeks before we went away was a blow, but I was feeling really good last year until I fractured my hip in the second last game against West Perth.

“That ruled me out of the 18’s National Championships and I was put on ice for three months.

“It hurt not being able to showcase my abilities at that level but even more so not having the opportunity to travel and bond with the state girls.

“It was more of a disappointment for me because that injury not only ruled me out of footy for the rest of the year, but I missed playing in my first final for Swans and at times it was hard to sit on the sidelines and watch.

“Playing finals or possibly even winning a Grand Final is what everyone, not matter what level, plays footy for so it was upsetting to miss that part.” 

The Swan Districts midfielder has averaged 26 disposals in four games this year to help the black and whites consolidate third place on the WAFLW ladder.

“Yes, I’m pretty happy with my start this season so far and I’m really enjoying playing with the Swans girls,” D’Addario said.

“I still have areas I can improve but my body has never felt stronger and I am feeling good going forward.”

Despite having yet to kick a goal this season, D’Addario knows her goalkicking ability in one of the strengths of her game.

“I love playing in the midfield and being able to impact the scoreboard adds another element to my game,” she said.

“Last season I floated forward regularly and was able to hit the scoreboard.

“While I am yet to kick a major this season, I always try to make the most of my opportunities and if there is a right time for me to kick a goal, I will try and do so.

“In saying that, I trust the forwards to play their role and delivering the ball into them effectively is an aspect of my game that I focus on. 

Carys has fond memories of her time as a kid playing the sport she loves.

“I started playing footy when I was five and all of my junior footy was with the boys at Caversham JFC,” she said.

“I’ve always been a sporty kid, playing whatever I could, so through my school years I juggled footy with swimming, basketball, cricket and netball, but footy was always my first choice.

“My first season playing with the girls was for Swans in the Rogers Cup.

“I think playing with the boys has helped with my in and under game a lot.

“Being strong in the contest helps a lot in my role in the midfield this year especially.”

D’Addario is at UWA studying for a Bachelor of Human Sciences and a Master of Pharmacy, with an opportunity in the AFLW also on her radar.

“Obviously getting drafted has always been a goal of mine, but my focus is playing good, consistent footy to the best of my abilities,” Carys said.

“I love footy because it’s a team game, and that’s how I play.

“My focus won’t change when playing at the National Championships.

“So hopefully things go my way, but as long as I give it my best this season, that’s all I can do.”

For now though, Carys is cherishing every moment at Swans.

“We are a pretty young team with most of us playing together for a couple of years now,” D’Addario said.

“Our goal is to make finals and we want to hopefully make it to the Grand Final.

“We’re a great bunch of girls who are all focused on that goal as well as improving week by week.”