Round 15 Anytime Fitness Women’s Rising Star: Ava Menard

The VAFA congratulates Ava Menard from UHS-VU, who has received the Anytime Fitness Rising Star nomination for Round 15. In her first year of senior footy, Ava has not missed a match and has been named among the best afield on twelve out of a possible sixteen occasions.

What the club said:

Ava is playing her first season at UHS-VU having come across from our associated junior club, Flemington Juniors. She’s played football her whole life, firstly at West Footscray Juniors before moving to Flemington to be in their first girls’ team. This led to her being selected for the WRFL’s U15 Interleague team and being selected in the Western Jets Futures Squad in 2019/20.

Playing in defence, Ava is a calm, composed figure both on and off the field, and seemingly phased by nothing. She is a popular member of the team, for her work rate and dry sense of humour. Her tendency to rock up to morning matches still in her pyjamas is always a delight. She’s regarded as being one of the best kicks in the team, in both her accuracy and penetration.

Coach, Alex Henry, said: “I had the pleasure of coaching Ava in the U18s last year as well, and have been able to watch her develop as a player in that time. She has learned to believe in herself, and what she can do and it has resulted in her dominating in matches. She’s made the transition from juniors to seniors look easy, and we are all massively excited to see what she’s capable of going forward. We’re incredibly proud of Ava and are thrilled to see her talent and hard work rewarded with this recognition.”