Fremantle Dockers AFLW draftee Monique Bessen is a footy nuffy who was desperate to play at highest level

Fremantle draftee Monique Bessen has described herself as a “footy nuffy” after her AFLW dream became a reality. The Dockers selected Bessen at pick 40 in the AFLW draft and the SANFLW star will join another South Australian, Charli Hazelhurst, and Tasmania’s Mia Anderson as new faces at the club. Having started playing footy as a nine-year-old, Bessen’s passion for the game has always been strong. She made her SANFLW debut just one week after her 16th birthday and said playing footy at the highest level had always been her dream. “I’m a bit of a footy nuffy,” Bessen said. “I love watching both the AFL and AFLW. I watch most games. Whenever Saturday or Sunday rolls around, I sit on the couch and try to watch as many games as I can while trying to work around my own games. I grew up collecting footy cards and loved all of that. I’ve been a big footy nuffy.” Bessen also played soccer, volleyball and tennis as a youngster but footy stood out as her favourite sport. Growing up in the Adelaide Hills, she initially had to travel to find a team to play for. She played more than 50 games of junior footy at Mitcham and was constantly playing in older age groups. Then Bessen played senior football for Hahndorf at only 15 before progressing to SANFLW. A Geelong supporter, Bessen modelled her game on Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and Georgie Prespaskis. Bessen’s skill, footy nous and ability to play in multiple positions made her a standout in South Australia. She believes playing senior football at a young age at both suburban and SANFLW level had fast tracked her development. “I’m so grateful for the experience and what Sturt have done for me,” she said. “They’ve been absolutely amazing. Playing that level of football from such a young age has really helped my development. Playing against bigger bodies really teaches you how to become a smarter player when, physically, you are not the best out there. You need to find that edge somewhere else and for me that has come through my footy IQ and my skills. “I was a bit protected in my first season. I played a bit more on a wing or half-forward. I was lucky enough to be given some inside minutes towards the end of my first season. that was a bit of a shock and welcome to senior football. “It’s a bit different to what you expect it to be. In one of my first games playing as an inside mid, I lined up on Jess Bates who is an incredible player in the SANFLW and has won a league best-and-fairest. Playing against her was a real shock but it teaches you how to be smarter.”