A MASSIVE congratulations to Grace Belloni for getting pick 9 in the 2025 AFLW draft!!!Our hearts are so full knowing how hard Grace has worked to get to this exact moment! We’ve been so proud to watch her grow up at this club and flourish into the beautiful athlete and person she has become. She continues to lead and set an example for future generations, and we can’t wait to see the continual growth she’ll achieve at this level!
Below is a little bit about Grace’s Football background and achievements:
– Began playing Olinda football at 8 years old with U10s boys team
– Joined the inaugural girls U12s team the following year, though continued playing with the boys until under 14s.
– 2x league best & fairest + club best & fairest. Also won the Clubman of the Year award at age 12 for Olinda.
– Represented the Bloods through interleague and was invited to take part in the Hawthorn Hawks academy competition
– Proceeded to be scouted and recruited by Eastern Ranges.
– Played U16s Vic Metro but missed out on the U18 Vic Metro team the following year (bottom-age).
– That same year – helped lead Eastern Ranges to a Grand Final appearance and was awarded Best on Ground in Olinda‘S first ever Senior Women’s flag.
– In 2024 – began playing with the U22 all-stars team, made the U18 Vic Metro team and was Best on Ground in her first appearance.
– Was named in the All-Australian Team of the Year and Coates Talent League Team of the Year
– Finished runner up best & fairest for the Eastern Ranges to finish of the season on a high, drawing heavy interest from AFLW scouts.
An inspiration to all. Although we’re sad to see Grace leave our playing field, we’ll always be there to provide our true bloods support through thick and thin
