AFLW recruit Tori Groves-Little has said the prospect of playing AFLW in her home city was a deciding factor in her choice to sign with the Gold Coast SUNS.
Groves-Little was recruited by the Brisbane Lions in the 2018 NAB AFLW Draft and played two senior games there last season.
But following on from her ex-Queensland teammates Ellie Hampson, Charlotte Hammans and Kitara Whap-Farrar’s decisions to join the SUNS, Groves-Little was happy to follow suit.
“I was pretty nervous but absolutely love (the club),” Groves-Little said.
“Me and my parents spoke for two weeks and I had to make a decision but I finally made it and thought that this would be the best place for me.
“I’m coming back home so it’s very good to be back but just working here, everything’s in the one place so it just makes it ten times better.”
Groves-Little has come through the SUNS Academy as a junior and represented the club in the 2018 Winter Series.
She also works in the club’s community department as a Diversity Programs Officer.
The midfielder became the QAFLW’s youngest ever Best & Fairest winner in 2018 and has plenty of upside heading into 2020.
“(We’ve) finally got the team for 2020 so I’m ready to go,” Groves-Little said.
“Honestly I can’t wait to get into it and just being able to say that I’ve been through the whole program and hopefully inspire the next generation to do the same thing.”
The 18-year-old has loved her first taste of competitive AFLW football with the Lions and is hungry for more as she prepares for more club football action ahead of the QW Winter Series later this year.
“I had a good season and only played two games but I wouldn’t want it any other way and it definitely helped my development,” she said.
“It’s a major step up - faster, stronger girls but it’s all part of the challenge and with the SUNS it’s Challenge Accepted.
“I’d love to get back and play more footy but it’s just making sure that I’m recovering and giving my body enough time and then hopefully get back in there the next couple of weeks.”
