Courtney Ugle has been swept up in a whirlwind in recent weeks and found herself representing Essendon and sporting the club’s Dreamtime Guernsey in the middle of the MCG on Monday.
A proud Noongar woman originally from Bunbury, Ugle made a near-instantaneous move from Perth just weeks ago, quickly packing up her life to take a spot in Essendon’s inaugural VFLW squad and hasn’t looked back since.
She joined fellow Bomber Jake Long on Monday with traditional dancers and Richmond players Shane Edwards and Natarsha Bamblett, and said it was a special experience to promote the club’s upcoming Dreamtime clashes.
“It’s an absolute honour, to don the sash with the indigenous painting behind it is really, really incredible,” Ugle said on Monday.
“To come together and play the game that we all love as one is truly incredible.”
The 21-year-old emphasised the importance of recognising the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to football and the broader community.
“I think it’s very important and I think that if we, as indigenous Australians and non-indigenous Australians and people from all different backgrounds, can come together and play the game we love and truly recognise the significance around what this round means it is very important.
“I think it’s an absolute honour and for it to get better and better every year moving forward, it’s so special.”
Ugle was elated to wear the Dreamtime Guernsey designed by Tiwi College student Arthurina Moreen and is excited for her teammates to join her in the jumper on Saturday.
“I’m just in awe, even putting it on today it gives me goosebumps,” she said.
“It’s an honour to play not only here for the Essendon Football Club, but to wear a jumper with such meaning behind it is truly very heartwarming to me.”
After rushing over to Melbourne to join the Bombers on her journey to achieve her dream of playing in the AFLW, Ugle is extremely grateful of her first chance in Victoria.
“For me, personally, it truly is a massive achievement for me to move across the country to follow my dreams and I’m very thankful for the opportunities that Essendon Football Club has provided me,” Ugle said.
“I count my lucky stars every day and I truly am just so thankful for the opportunities being presented.
“To be a part of such a significant round is very close to home and something I value very much.”
Ugle has started the season in outstanding form in the red and black and has been listed among the Bombers’ best players in all three of her outings to date.
While the side is yet to register its first ever win, the early signs from the young team have been strong and Ugle said she is confident the side can push for an historic victory soon.
“I think we are a very competitive, hard-working team and I think that we definitely can compete.
“I think that we just need to make sure that we can compete for four quarters, but I back my team all the way and it’s very exciting what we can do as one and I can’t wait to bring it to the Tigers this weekend.”
The team will take Richmond at the Swinburne Centre (Punt Road Oval) from 4pm on Saturday.
You can show your pride and support by joining The Long Walk next week, or CLICK HERE to secure your spot at The Long Lunch.
There is plenty of merchandise also available with the Dreamtime Guernsey and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s 2018 Indigenous Cap also available HERE.
To get your ticket for the Dreamtime at the G clash with Richmond, CLICK HERE.
