Emma Mackie drafted to Western Bulldogs

From Australian international cyclist to Box Hill’s inaugural VFL Women’s Best & Fairest winner to AFL Women’s player. Emma Mackie’s sporting career has been an incredible ride.

Mackie became the second Box Hill VFL Women’s player to be selected as an AFLW draftee when she was taken by the Western Bulldogs at pick 27 in the 2017 national draft. It provided an incredible new high on an outstanding season in which Mackie’s bullocking midfield strength, tireless four-quarter performances and huge possession numbers saw her win the club’s Best & Fairest Medal.

“I can’t explain it,” said Mackie after the draft. “Overwhelming… excited… very honoured… it’s just surreal

“The club seems really exciting from the short time I’ve been there. I’m just excited to get out there and play with the girls and play at AFL Women’s level.”

Mackie represented Australia in international cycling over eight years, racing internationally in Europe and the US, competing in world championships, sprint classics and Grand Tour events like the Giro D’Italia. The 33-year old’s cycling career peaked when she represented Australia in the 2009 UCI Road World Championships held in Switzerland but says that becoming an AFL Women’s player pushes for the greatest moment of her career.

“It’s really mind blowing and it’s definitely… I almost want to say it’s past it. Representing your country is an amazing feeling so it’s definitely up there but this is pretty high.

Mackie was taken six picks ahead of Box Hill’s inaugural AFLW draftee and now-Collingwood player Kristy Stratton. To sweeten the greatest day of their football careers so far, the history-making pair were surrounded by teammates as their names were read out on the live stream of the draft.