West Perth talent Russo chasing ‘lifelong dream’ at AFLW Draft

West Perth young gun Mia Russo is on the verge of realising a “lifelong dream” in Monday night’s AFLW Draft.

The prolific midfielder already boasts an impressive footy CV already which includes being a dual Rogers Cup fairest-and-best winner, an Under-18s All-Australian and State 18s co-captain.

Russo is tipped to go as high as the first round of the AFLW Draft alongside several other West Aussies.

But that hasn’t helped her emotions heading into the big day, which will be spent at West Perth Football Club with teammates, friends and family all hoping to hear her name called out.

RELATED ARTICLES:

• READ ABOUT ALL OF WA’S BEST AFLW DRAFT PROSPECTS HERE
• COWCHER SHAPING UP AS BARGAIN OF AFLW DRAFT
• WOLMARANS FIRMS AS WA’S TOP AFLW DRAFT PICK

“I’m absolutely terrified. I just can’t stop thinking about it. I just want it to be done. I want an answer. But I’m just hoping for the best and whatever happens, happens,” Russo said.

“I think I was born to play football. It’s what I love. It’s all I’ve ever wanted since AFLW became a thing. It would be a lifelong dream come true.

“I’ll be happy wherever I go, and I will wear the jumper with pride. I’d like to make an impact as soon as possible in AFLW.”

WA Football’s Female Talent Programs Manager Trent Cooper couldn’t speak highly enough of Russo, labelling her the “ultimate professional” and explaining why she was voted in as co-captain of WA’s under-18s.

“Mia’s been highly-touted from a young age as an inside midfielder,” he said.

“MVP as a 16-year-old, and has just continued to work at her game. She is the ultimate professional. She looks after the others as well, which is one of the reasons she was voted in as co-captain.”

Russo could be among five WA talents snapped up in the opening round alongside top-10 fancies Olivia Wolmarans (Subiaco) and Evie Cowcher (Peel Thunder), State 18s MVP Carys D’Addario (Swan Districts) and Subiaco’s Olivia Crane.

The draft is happening from 4pm on Monday.