Georgia Patrikios loves a good tackle

In this insightful interview, we have the privilege of sitting down with Georgia Patrikios, rising star in the AFLW who has spent a decade on the field, honing her skills and challenging stereotypes along the way. She reflects on her journey from her early days on the local Auskick ground, where she couldn't resist the allure of Australian Rules Football, to her current position in the midfield at St Kilda. Beyond her love for the game's physicality and the thrill of meeting new people, Georgia is determined to shatter the misconceptions surrounding women in contact sports. Join us as we delve into Georgia Patrikios's experiences, the importance of protective gear for female athletes, and the essentials in her game day bag

How long have you been playing AFLW?

So I've been playing footy for about 10 years now. I started when I was really little and I followed my brother down to the local Aus Kick ground and ever since then mom couldn't keep me away and I've been playing ever since.

What do you love about the game?

I love playing footy because the new people you meet and just the physicality of the game as well. When I was younger there wasn't really too many other sports where you could be so physical and get some anger out. So that's definitely one of the reasons as well.

What position do you play?

I play in the midfield at St Kilda, but I grew up playing more outside on the Wing.

What stereotype do you want to break in AFLW

The stereotype that I wanna break about AFLW is that typically women weren't supposed to play contact sports and now we are given that opportunity. So yeah, we're definitely breaking it as we go. But yeah, something that's been firm in the sport for a long time.

Why is it important to wear breast protection in sports?

I think it's really important to have these products that protect women because it gives you that sort of comfort, um, to know if you are gonna get hit hard or you are gonna get tackled, that you do have that protection And good tackle is good news.

Have you been hit in the breast?

Yeah, have been hitting the breast, playing footy. It's something you sort of have to expect week in, week out as it is really high contact sport. It's really important to have that protection as well.

Are there any challenges for women's sport?

I personally don't think there are any challenges for women playing sport. I think we are really lucky to have the opportunity to play the sport that we love and immerse ourself in the game.

How do you feel wearing Impact Armour?

Wearing impact armour makes you feel a lot more comfortable and the contact doesn't feel as heavy, so it feels a lot better than not wearing it.

What's in your game day kit?

The most important things in my game day bag is my mouth guard, my sport boots, and my Impact Armour protective wear.

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