#AFLW #Brittany Bonnici #CollingwoodFC

Who is your all-time favourite footballer or athlete?

Shaun Burgoyne. I love the way he goes about everything he does. Now I’ve become part of the platform and the League and understand what it takes to be an athlete, to see him do that and be such a family man as well, keep his game so strong for so many years, right until the dying seconds (lunging on the goal line to prevent a goal), is something I’ve always looked up to.

Who is the worst teammate on social media?

Probably Abbi Moloney. If you search her, you’ll see why. 

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to work in the correctional centres in some shape or form, I don’t know why. When I was younger, I wanted to be a prison guard. Either that, or a person who gets to swim with sharks all the time. They’re two completely different things that I was somewhat passionate about. It probably explains a few things about me now.

Who is your toughest opponent?

Elise O’Dea. I absolutely love coming up against her, she’s tough, she’s fair. On the field, it’s no holding back every time you verse her, she’s been my player even before AFLW. You know when you come up against her, you’re going to have a contest. She’s a player I love and hate to come up against, and have idolised for a long time.

Which Olympic sport would you love to compete in?

Growing up, I did a lot of little athletics, and it was always the long-distance stuff that was my go-to event. It definitely wouldn’t be that now, I hate running. It would probably be pole vault or something a little left field, or skateboarding.

Which teammate is most likely to go on and coach?

Probably Steph Chiocci. I might just be saying that because she’s a bit older as well, but she’s someone who has so much knowledge and experience and is well-respected.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

The girls always get into me about my pre-game, because I just chuck my headphones on and I don’t talk to anyone, I completely do my own thing all the time. They say I go into my own game mode, where I just do my own thing and don’t socialise until we’re about to go out.

What was the first concert you attended?

I think Kylie Minogue. I remember going to one with my Mum, and I think that’s my earliest concert memory.

What is the non-football accomplishment of which you’re most proud?

It ties back to footy in some way, but my ability to have balance. I love the work I do outside of footy (Bonnici is a development coach with youth charity Ladder), I love working with people and I love being able to see the change that’s created through some of my guidance. It’s not one specific moment, but seeing how many different people I’m able to work with and guide in different parts in life is one of my greatest achievements. I’m working with young people who are disengaged with the local community, and helping them through the harsh parts of growing up.

Would you prefer to take Mark or Goal of the Year?

I don’t kick goals, and I can’t jump very high, so either of them would be an accomplishment. I’d probably say Goal of the Year, because I’m more likely to fluke a goal than a big speccy.