In the hours leading up to Tuesday night's AFLW Draft, Aurora Smith will be busy pinching herself as she hopes to live out every footballer's dream.
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Wind back the clock seven months and the Shepparton United star was getting ready to enjoy another season of footy.
Imagining at the time that her name could be called out seemed like a far-fetched idea for the modest teenager.
Smith, who grew up at Euroa before moving to Shepparton, was busy pounding the pavement and trying to improve her game.
But as her hard work and determination off the field turned into incredible performances on the field, the image of her landing an AFLW spot became clearer.
Smith will join hundreds of other promising footballers in excitement when Tuesday night's coverage begins.
And she might not need to wait long to hear her name read out.
Smith, off the back of a stellar campaign for the Murray Bushrangers and Vic Country, is touted to land at a club inside the top-20 and have her dream of reaching the AFLW realised.
Not a bad effort for a 17-year-old who could hardly imagine being in this position at the start of the year.
“Yeah, I am pinching myself. I definitely didn't think I would get drafted at the start of the year,” Smith said.
“I reckon I will be pretty nervous during the day and think about it a lot, but I will try to distract myself. I'll just be super excited.
“I think it's been a bit of a shock because I didn't think I would get to this level.
“I played Bushies this year with not many expectations. I've been surprised with the recognition I've been getting.”
To say Smith surpassed all of her expectations is an understatement.
The versatile winger registered a monstrous season on the field for the Bushrangers and Vic Country.
Smith's standout NAB League under-19 girls’ season, had the classy operator take home Murray Bushrangers’ best-and-fairest gong — the Daisy Pearce Medal.
Starring week in, week out for the Bushies meant inclusion in Vic Country's squad, where her excellent performances flowed into her appearances at the national championships.
The 165cm speedster averaged 20 disposals (10 contested possessions), three clearances and 2.5 tackles a game.
Which culminated in Smith being named in the AFLW Under-19 Championships All-Australian side on the wing.
It wasn't long before she was knocking on the door of senior football in the VFLW, where she played two games for Port Melbourne.
“I've really enjoyed this year, starting out with the Bushies, then Vic Country, Port Melbourne and Shepparton United, it's been really fun playing for those clubs and meeting new people,” Smith said.
“I learnt so much from the experience (Vic Country).
“I know it was only three games, but being in an elite program you learn so much about footy and off the field about being a better person and leader as well.
“I was really happy with how I performed, I was able to use what I learnt from the Bushies.
“(Winning the Daisy Pearce Medal) was really cool and exciting.
“It was on the back of some hard work and being confident in my game and ability.”
Like many teenagers her age, the past 16 months have been a difficult time for Smith.
After missing out on the majority of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith saw the break as a chance to improve her fitness and skills.
The Goulburn Valley Grammar School pupil credited the many hours spent honing her craft as the reason why 2021 was a breakout year for her.
“It was great to be back out there this year and having fun, especially after last year with COVID,” Smith said.
“(Last year) I spent a lot of time on my fitness and even just on the fundamentals.
“I think that really helped me this year; by doing that I have become fitter, a better footballer and my training standards have lifted. I just kept up that consistency and I was happy with that.”
Although Smith's own meteoric rise through the ranks came as a shock to her, not everyone has been surprised by her achievements.
Shepparton United youth girls coach Dean Walton has always seen the extraordinary potential within the skilled on-baller.
“No, not really, she has always had this natural ability,” Walton said.
“I could not be prouder of her this year, but her growth over the past couple of years.
“And the fact she still says she plays for fun is what footy should be all about.”
The Dees’ mentor praised the youngster's strong work ethic.
“We live nearby and I actually saw her out pounding the pavement several times each week,” Walton said.
“She works really hard, she is one of the hardest workers I've seen both on and off the field. And she is just a terrific young person as well.
“She deserves all the awards and accolades that come her way.”
Smith thanked her family and coaches for assisting and supporting her along the journey.
“I'd like to thank my family for motivating me and holding me accountable to become a better footballer and for everything they do,” she said.
“Coaches play an important role, especially in girls footy because it's not that popular, so you need the motivation.
“Dean and my coaches from Euroa and Bushies have played a huge role.”
Walton, just like Smith and her supporters, will be glued to the screen in anticipation once the draft commences.
“I will be watching very closely, I'll be on the phone to her straight away and there'll be tears no doubt,” he said.
“It's really exciting, but also the draft is a real lottery.
“But I'm pretty confident that Smithy's name will be read out on Tuesday.”
● The AFLW Draft will commence Tuesday, July 27 at 6.45pm and will be streamed through womens.afl and the AFLW app.
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