Former Tiger waits on an AFLW call-up

It is a long way from Hands Oval to the famed Ikon Park, but Carlton midfielder Katie-Jayne Grieve has made the move comfortably.

After being picked up by the AFLW team in last year’s rookie draft, the 20-year-old has been working alongside some of the game’s best ahead of the first game of the 2018 season against Collingwood tomorrow night.

Grieve got the chance to wear the Carlton guernsey in a practice match against the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat earlier this month and will now wait for team selections tonight to see if she gets her second taste of AFLW.

Tigers coach Teagan Smith, who led her at South Bunbury last year, said Grieve would have an impact on the game if she played.

“She is a player that takes control and shows an array of skills in any situation,” she said.

“She would definitely shine.”

Smith said Grieve had an excellent ability to read the play.

“She also has a great level of skill and fitness,” she said.

“Katie just gets on the field and gets the job done.”

Smith said Grieve’s South Bunbury teammates were excited for her.

“It shows all girls that there is a chance to be picked up,” she said.

“There is another option and pathway to take.”

Smith said South Bunbury forward Bethanie Bond and team manager Tracy Evans had both flown over in case she made her debut.

“Either way she will have support down here and in Melbourne,” she said.