CARLTON AFLW star Chloe Dalton will return to rugby sevens at the end of this year’s AFLW season determined to prove herself worthy of a spot for Tokyo 2020. 

Balancing careers in both sports has seen Dalton adjust her rugby kicking style to make it as interchangeable as possible with her time on the footy field, while she has also been hitting the gym six times a week including physio and pilates sessions.

In Dalton’s own words, it’s an attempt to ensure her transition is as smooth as possible.

While at the Blues, she has been training part-time away from Ikon Park with Peter Breen of the Melbourne Rebels, focusing on rugby-specific skills such as passing, tackle techniques and dropkicking.

Although rugby sevens has different demands to AFLW, Dalton is excited for the challenge of going between the two sports.

 “Thankfully, both want me to put a bit of size on,” Dalton said on SEN.

“I’m trying to work hard in the gym and get on the bulk proteins, put a bit of size on: that’s a work in progress.”

The conclusion of the AFLW season will see her return to Sydney to join the sevens program full-time, with the hopes of selection for multiple world series tournaments where she aims to prove she is worthy of a second consecutive Olympics campaign.  

Despite all the attention on her ambitions for Tokyo 2020, she still very much has her sights set on the upcoming AFLW season. 

“Personally I’m feeling really good with how I’ve been training with the girls: we had a big session over the weekend,” she said.

“It was really nice to put a few things in place, so I think we are looking good for a good start at the ‘Baggers.”