In the interview, Astley talks about representing Black Diamond AFL this season, her team and being selected for the Australian women’s indigenous cricket squad.

Read the Football Report here.

Nelson Bay Marlins utility Jemma Astley is truly a multi-talented sportsperson. 

After playing representative football for the BDAFL this season against AFL Sydney, and previously representing Newcastle in soccer as a goalkeeper (where she advised her long kicking ability was developed), Astley has recently been selected in the Australian Women’s Cricket Indigenous Squad to train at the BUPA Centre in Brisbane ahead of the team’s planned tour of the United Kingdom in 2018. 

“I was really thrilled to be selected to be part of the squad,” she said.

“It was a real shock to get the email that I had been [picked] for the squad. I head up to Brisbane on the weekend of our last home and away game [against Cardiff at Hillsborough Oval] for our first session, so I will just miss one game. 

“At rep level, especially on my last tour to India, I have succeeded more with the ball, although I view myself as an all-rounder. 

“Playing on those wickets was a genuine experience, and I was able to bowl lots of dot balls and tie up an end. We will do lots of fitness testing in Brisbane, and I am confident that the fitness I have gained from a full football season will be important for me when I do these tests.” 

Astley stated that the Marlins have really picked up the intensity at training and on the playing field after Newcastle City halted their 15-months unbeaten run a few weeks ago. 

“Everyone has worked really hard since they defeated us,” she said.

“We did not play well that day, they played very well and we know we have a big task on our hands should we meet them in the finals again.”

Astley said that she has shaken off some niggling injuries of late and that she feels she is at full fitness at the moment. 

“I have spent a lot more time on the ball of late, I am really trying to get onto the ball a lot more. I had a full pre-season where I attended basically every session, getting much fitter, which has helped with both my football and cricket.” 

Astley spoke glowingly about the Marlins elite on-ball quartet. 

“They are all great to play with. Along with Pippa Smyth, Lisa Steane and Sophie Balcombe and myself, Kaitlyn Douglass has been spending more time on-ball as well, especially in the last six weeks.”

Astley indicated that the Marlins have been training to play a wider, more expansive game in preparation for playing at ground like Newcastle No.1 Sportsground. 

“We need to play very smart when we play at No.1, we feel that this will produce results. Playing teams like City, who are taller than us, we need to use handball and accurate passing, instead of just bombing the ball long.”

Astley advised that Lisa Steane and Pippa Smyth have improved out of sight this season.

“Lisa has come back from her time with GWS a totally focussed and complete player. Pippa spends extra time away from training doing sprints and practicing her goalkicking, and you can see the benefits of this each week.”

Astley said that she had a great time being part of the BDAFL representative squad this season, and like many other players, she spoke very highly of being coached by Simon Berry. 

“Unfortunately, playing Imparja Cup at Alice Springs in February held me back early on, as I missed a lot of pre-season work. Watching Alison Parkin up close was just amazing.”