WHO would have thought putting out the rubbish would be such a dangerous task?
However, it proved to be for Geelong youngster Becky Webster, who damaged the ring toe on her right foot just before pre-season commenced.
“I was putting rubbish in the bin and I smacked it on the car with no shoes on,” the 19-year-old said. “Usually when you hit your toe you think “that hurts”.
“I didn’t think much of it, did some training on it and I thought “that’s a bit sore”.
“I got some scans and it was broken.”
It means Webster has spent the majority of pre-season on a bike maintaining her fitness.
“I was kind of lucky it wasn’t right at the start of running,” she said. “Hopefully I’ll get a few training sessions in before Christmas.
“It’s healing really well. I’ve got no pain anymore.
“It should be fine for Round 1.”
Drafted with pick No.7 in the 2018 National Draft from the Murray Bushrangers, Webster made four appearances in Geelong’s inaugural AFLW campaign.
She played the majority of those matches in defence, but made a successful transition to the midfield during the VFLW season.
So successful was Webster’s move, she claimed the Cats’ best-and-fairest.
“It was great to be able to play a lot more games. And playing more midfield really helped with my craft in there and learning the role a lot more,” she said.
“And learning the girls’ strengths in the midfield as well. Coming from the backline – it’s great playing down there and seeing the whole game.
“Playing in the midfield, you’ve got to be on your toes a little bit more, and watching where to go and who to be on.
“So, VFL was great development year for me; I’m super keen to get into AFL in that midfield role as well.”
Webster says the chance to match-up on leading AFLW talent during the VFLW season was also crucial to her development.
“It’s grown my confidence knowing that I can play on them now,” she said.
“And I’m reading the ball a lot better, and knowing my strengths a lot more as a midfielder was super through the VFL.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
