Collingwood's Sarah Dargan has been named as one of the round four nominees for the NAB AFL Women’s Rising Star award after an outstanding performance against the GWS Giants in Morwell on Sunday.
“It’s still a bit of a shock to be honest,” Dargan told collingwoodfc.com.au.
“But it’s great to see that hard work paying off and I’m truly honoured.”
Sunday’s performance marked a career milestone for the 20-year-old, who tallied 16 disposals and six tackles as well as a goal.
Originally a basketballer, Dargan’s football journey began at Pascoe Vale Football Club before venturing onto the Calder Cannons.
A unique talent with speed and great agility, Dargan was a member of the 2017 Vic Metro under-18 side before being drafted by the Pies with pick 20 later that year.
Having started out as a small forward, Dargan has stepped into the midfield this season.
“In my first year I definitely didn’t feel like I had the season I wanted to, but I feel like I’m more prepared this time around,” she said.
She puts down her success so far this season to an improved level of confidence.
“Both the coaches and the playing group have given me that confidence to fully focus on my footy and that has really helped with my self-belief on the field.”
Dargan has also kicked her way into the history books, having booted Collingwood’s first AFLW goal at the club’s spiritual home, Victoria Park, in the team’s round two clash against Melbourne.
“It’s pretty cool, I didn’t really think about it until everyone started coming up to me after the game,” she smiled.
“I guess it’s a bit of history I’ll always have with me and that’s exciting.”
Having sustained a lisfranc injury early in last year’s VFL Women’s season, Dargan says the experience of dealing with her first serious injury allowed her to view the game from a new perspective, contributing to her on-field success.
“At the time, I was upset and hated having to watch footy from the sidelines.
“But looking back it was a blessing as I was able to view footy from a different angle in the coaches’ box, which was really beneficial in developing my knowledge in preparation for getting back on the field.”
Dargan is the Pies’ third rising star nominee, following on from Brittany Bonnici (2017) and last year’s award winner, Chloe Molloy.
Two players are nominated for the AFLW Rising Star award each week of the AFL Women’s season. AFLW players aged 21-or-under as of January 1, 2019 are eligible for the award, provided they haven’t been previously nominated.
