Since arriving at the Holden Centre back in October, draftee Amelia Velardo is already proving to be a unique talent despite having just three games of competitive football to her name.

A successful basketballer, the 18-year-old was regarded as a star on the rise playing for Keilor Thunder in the Big V Competition before deciding to shift her focus to footy last year.  

“Growing up I'd always be having a kick in the backyard with Dad and my brother and we’d watch or go to games on weekends,” Velardo told collingwoodfc.com.au.                                                                                            

“I think because I’d played so much basketball I got to a point where I’d lost the spark for it and as footy became a more developing game I thought why not give it a go and I haven’t looked back since.”

Her decision to swap codes has ultimately paid off having been selected by the Pies with pick 25 in the 2020 AFLW draft. 

“I’m still coming to terms with it to be honest. It still doesn’t feel real. When I heard my name read out I was in shock and I just didn’t react”, she said.

“My family loved the club from the very first interview we had with them and we got such a good vibe so we were all stoked to be going there.”

Her love for the game has only grown stronger over the last few months of pre-season where she’s developed a very special bond with the playing group.

“From day one, every single person has been incredible and they’ve really helped me in the transition.”

“I’ve never been in an environment where everyone is automatically so supportive and friendly and everyone is playing for each other so it’s really nice to be a part of that.”

Velardo got to put her pre-season training to the test in a recent practice match where she showed exciting signs of what’s to come.

“It was good to have a taste at the AFLW level and I was just grateful to have been given the opportunity to play.”

She moved well up forward with strong hands and was able to position herself well around the play allowing her to put two goals on the board.

“I’m loving playing in that half-forward role at the moment as it gives me a really good link between the midfield and forward line.

“Getting the two goals was good to help me understand that I can do this and was just a good confidence booster especially early on.”

While her talents on field speak for themselves, Velardo’s leaderships skills have also already been recognised by the club having been given the number made famous by club captains including Nathan Buckley and Nick Maxwell.

“The night we were given our jumper numbers, I was told my number had been chosen for me and then the next minute Bucks popped up on the screen and said I’d be wearing the number five.

“At the club that number means so much and for Steve and the team to give it to me was an honour in itself. It makes me want to work harder to respect and uphold the rich history of that number but to also go out there and make my own mark in it.”

With the season opener just three days away, Velardo says just thinking about the possibility of being named in the side and playing against the team she grew up supporting is huge.

“To be named in that first side, especially against Carlton, would just be everything – the ultimate dream and the ultimate reward.”

 “I’ve worked really hard this pre-season and have given it my best shot to be selected for that. But if I’m not, that would be ok as well. I’ll just keep working hard to give myself the best possible chance to get a call up for a game.”