But if it’s not this year for Locke, opportunities will abound for the junior footballer, with the teen recently receiving an invitation to trial with Richmond’s VFLW team if she is not taken in the draft.
After making her debut on the football field later in life due to the concern of her family, Locke has taken to the game like a duck to water.
In what was a strong year for the Seymour Lion, who plays for both the club’s netball and football teams, Locke gained selection with Murray Bushrangers.
Her tackling pressure saw her lock down a spot in defence, where she averaged 4.7 tackles and 8.7 disposals, with her form further rewarded when she was picked for the under-18 Vic Country squad.
Heading to the Gold Coast for series two of the AFL Women’s Under-18 Championships, Locke averaged 8.5 disposals but took her tackling up a notch, averaging 6.5 a match.
Currently nursing a lower leg injury, Locke has had to curb her training, but it could be a blessing for the Year 12 student with VCE exams right around the corner.
But once the dust settles, and her path is made clearer, we could be seeing Locke taking it up to the best in either the state or country as a AFLW or VFLW-listed player.