The dream of playing in the AFLW competition became a reality for eighteen year-olds Jordyn Allen and Katie Lynch on Tuesday when they were drafted by Collingwood.

As captain of the 2018 under-18 women’s Victoria Country side, Allen was the Magpies’ first selection at No.5.

As she made her way on stage, she was simply overwhelmed with emotion.

“They called my name out and I burst into tears,” she said later with a laugh.

“To end up in these colours is definitely a dream come true and I couldn’t think of a better club to join.”

The medium defender with neat skills praised the elite Victorian pathway as a crucial step in her development as a player.

“Through playing with the Youth Girls, TAC Cup, and VFL with Casey Demons, I don’t think that could’ve prepared me better for what’s to come with AFLW,” Allen said.

While Allen prefers playing half-back, her fantastic ability to read the ball saw her become extremely versatile throughout the Dandenong Stingrays’ 2018 season.

“I was tested down forward earlier in the season and hopefully I can provide a bit of run and carry off the half-back with aggression and tenacity,” she explained.

At pick 11, Lynch is already familiar with the Pies, having played three games with the club’s inaugural VFL Women’s team season this year.  

“It’s still very surreal and hard to believe that I’ve been drafted,” she said.

“But having the introduction with VFL is something that I’m comfortable with and helps me know what to expect.”

Recognised for her excellent game-sense and clean hands, Lynch said 2018 had been her most intense year of footy yet.  

“Just playing locally, I didn’t get that exposure of an elite experience because of injury and it was hard with school.  

“But this year I’ve really committed to footy and put in a considerable amount of effort.

“I’m an attacking player and I’ll do whatever I can to get that ball in my hands. I’ve got a good left foot and I like to use that a fair bit.”

COLLINGWOOD’S FIRST-ROUND SELECTION IN THE AFLW DRAFT 

Selection No. 5: Jordyn Allen
Height: 174cm
Born: 6/7/2000
Recruited From: Dandenong U18 

Selection No. 11: Katie Lynch
Height: 179cm
Born: 20/4/2000
Recruited From: Oakleigh U1