Adelaide AFLW forward Lisa Whiteley can remember anxiously sitting on the sidelines during the Crows Season Six Grand Final against Melbourne at Adelaide Oval.
Whiteley had played six games during the campaign (Rounds 4-9) but was left out of the Round 10 match against St Kilda and the Crows’ finals series, including the flag decider.
“I thought I had some good games (last season) and played a role the forward line needed at the time,” Whiteley, who returned home in the 2020 off-season after spending two seasons with GWS, said.
“But when it came down to selections later on they (the coaches) were just looking for more run and that just happened to not be me.
“We obviously got the Premiership which was the most important thing.
“It’s always tough when you’re not selected, no matter what game it is, but I think we all just think about how privileged we are to be in such a great team.
Instead of feeling frustrated at not being part of the side, all Whiteley wanted was for her teammates and Club to bring home another Premiership.
“The Grand Final was a very stressful game, sometimes I think sitting on the sidelines is more stressful than chasing the footy,” Whiteley said.
“But all of us on the sidelines were so stoked, we all worked so hard for it.
“I just wanted to run out and give the girls a hug, jump on them, when that final siren went.
“I’m just stoked to be here, to be honest, playing footy with the girls and great coaching staff.”
Whiteley has, however, used missing out on playing in the Grand Final as motivation for Season Seven.
Speaking to AFC Media ahead of Adelaide’s clash with GWS, Whiteley’s former team, she says she is pleased to have played three out of the four matches so far this season.
And Whiteley, who juggles footy with her work as a police officer, knows the hard work is not over.
“In the off-season you have to work hard but you also have to rest as well,” Whiteley said.
“Because we didn’t have much time between our seasons, it meant for me taking a bit of time to mentally recover.
“When I was working night shift I’d come during the day and do dome sessions with Doc and Jack (Hombsch) which I think helped me a lot.
“It always feels nice when you know you’ve worked hard to get there and make it happen.
“I’m just trying to find some consistency and in that first game I bought some physicality which is what I’m in the forward line for and I just take the opportunity when it comes.”
Adelaide plays GWS at Unley Oval on Sunday at 2.40pm.
