Young Barkindji and Gniyampaa woman, Jemmika Douglas looms as a potential AFLW draft prospect after producing an outstanding 2024 season.
The 18-year-old rebounded from a hairline fracture of her leg, sustained in 2023, to win Bendigo Pioneers' best-and-fairest and later earn a spot in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year.
The powerful utility also impressed at national level, representing both Vic Country and the NAB AFLW Academy during the year.
Reflecting on her season, Douglas told National Indigenous Times she was proud of her consistent performances.
"My season has gone pretty good, I'm super proud of all that I've done this year," Douglas said.
"Being able to play all Coates League games, as well as being selected for the U18 Vic Country squad and being able to play all three championships games was amazing and one of my goals leading into 2024.
"Being a part of the U23 All-Stars at the start of the year and getting the call to play in the last game for the AFLW Academy was incredible – I am super grateful I got the call and the opportunity to play with those girls."
Douglas also received the chance to train and play a game for Carlton's VFLW team, which she described as an "amazing experience and learning opportunity".
The Richmond Next Generation Academy member has played in a variety of roles this year and has demonstrated her strong footy smarts and ability to win the contested ball.
Born in Mildura, Douglas began playing footy at just five years old.
She played for Red Cliffs in the Sunraysia Football League and also had stints with Nangiloc and Bambill before focussing on the Pioneers program.
Douglas said she has had plenty of influences on her football career, but none bigger than her parents and a close family friend, Sam Bice.
"My parents have done so much for me and have given me the opportunity to go as far as I can with my footy," she said.
"(Bice) took time out of her own life to drive me to and from most Pioneers games in 2022, which were all a minimum of four hours each way."
Douglas uses her strength to her advantage with her tackle-breaking ability a key area of her game.
An excellent reader of the play, she is also a sound decision maker and possesses neat skills by both hand and feet.
The talented teenager said that she idolises identical twin sisters Jess and Sarah Hosking for their approach to the game on and off the field.
"Their ability to have fun and joke around, but then to be serious and play a hard game and get the job done is something I admire and look up to," she said.
Douglas identified her speed and endurance as areas for improvement and is working hard ahead of the AFLW Draft next month.
"I'm giving myself the best chance to get drafted now that the season over and we are in off season," she said.
"I'm really working on my fitness and endurance and improving on my RFI's (room for improvement).
"I am doing three gym sessions, three running sessions, swimming and boxing sessions every week until pre-season kicks off at the end of November."
