CARLTON’S Georgia Gee has shown considerable improvement over the last two matches in AFLW 3.0.
The lightly-built midfielder put in a career-best performance in last weekend’s win over GWS, as she collected 14 disposals, laid six tackles and booted a goal.
Gee credited her progress in the AFLW to adding size to her nimble frame over the pre-season.
“I’ve put on six kilograms (since last season), so that’s a big step up,” Gee told RSN Carnival.
“I’m a bit more confident this year and comfortable being out there with putting on a bit more size.
“I’ve been drinking a lot of protein shakes and doing weights after each training session. I don’t lift very heavy but it’s getting me a bit stronger, so that’s all that I can ask.”
The 19-year-old’s development has also come through spending some time in the VFLW in 2018.
Although it was only five games, the match-time was crucial for Gee.
Prior to being drafted to the Blues with pick 12 in the 2017 NAB AFLW Draft, Gee hadn’t played any senior football.
Though she had played for many years with her junior club Beaconsfield and then represented the Dandenong Stingrays, Gee’s first game against senior bodies was Round 1 last year.
“Running out in that first game in Round 1 last year was pretty nerve-wracking for me,” she said.
“It was a massive step up. I’d come straight from youth girls and I hadn’t played any VFLW or footy against women, so it was pretty intimidating.
“I pretty much just gave all that I could and put everything I could out on the field and I didn’t really let my size stop me from doing what I could.
“I had the girls supporting me... so that’s all that matters.”
Though she was inexperienced against women when she was first drafted, Gee was no stranger to a winning culture.
Starting at Beaconsfield in 2011 with the boys’ team and finishing with the under-18 girls in 2017, Gee said there wasn’t a year she didn’t win a premiership.
“I think I played in every grand final when I was there, and we won every single one,” she said.
“That just showed what the club was about – a great culture down there with good coaching staff and ripping girls.”
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While Gee may be lacking a frightening stature, she makes up for it with footy smarts.
Gee’s intelligence has been aided by her grandfather, Brian Shinners, who played 18 VFL/AFL games for Richmond and Hawthorn from 1969 to 1972.
“I don’t take that for granted having his knowledge from when he played and having his brothers also come and give advice to me,” she said.
“They give me a bit of an insight into how they played back in the day and help me out when I go out on the field.
“It’s awesome to have him behind me and he’s a massive influence on my career. I couldn’t thank him enough for what he’s done.”
Tay is free to play!#BoundByBlue
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) February 19, 2019
After the Round 3 win over the Giants, the Blues shift their focus to a road trip down the highway to take on Geelong.
The clash will be vital to both teams and an interesting match in the scheme of the AFLW, as they currently sit first and second in Conference B.
Gee said the team will be concentrating on this week’s game rather than thinking about their chances of what could come at season’s end.
“Obviously our main focus is just to look towards this game and then the game after,” she said.
“We know it’s such a big game... to see we’re on the top of the table at the moment, it’s really crazy and we’re pinching ourselves.
“We won’t look ahead to finals yet until that comes, but it’s pretty exciting to see that we could have a chance.
“There’s a great feeling within the group at the moment after having a win on the weekend over GWS.”
Carlton take on Geelong at GMHBA Stadium this Saturday, 23rd February at 4:45pm.
