Sport
‘I’ve had so much support’: Shepparton United’s Holly Egan speaks after finding new home at AFL Women’s national draft
For the second straight year Shepparton United Football Club can boast of a national draftee.
Monday night’s AFL Women’s draft — the first of a truly open national model — had Demons starlet Holly Egan realise her dream following a superb year at all levels of football.
The younger sister of current Richmond star Grace was selected at pick 34 by Fremantle, capping a sensational 2024 which had her take up the Murray Bushrangers captaincy and represent Vic Country at the Under-18 National Championships.
Earmarked by draft guru Kevin Sheehan as a top-30 prospect nationwide, the young gun slid slightly from the projections of “Shifter”, but happily prepares to move across the country and don the purple top.
In the process, Egan joins 2023 AFL men’s draftee Oscar Ryan of Adelaide as United’s second draft export in as many seasons.
With Riley Onley the firm local favourite in 2025 draft conversations, there’s every chance of the red and blue completing a hat-trick by this time next year.
It was a busy day one as an AFLW player, but Egan took a moment to relive her life-changing experience.
“It was so cool,” Egan said.
“I’ve had phone calls and messages from basically everybody and I’ve had all the Docker girls contacting me.
“I’ve had calls from the club people and had lunch with their recruiter and coach.
“I kind of thought North Melbourne and Freo were in the mix as I knew both were interested. My manager told me in the 30s that I’d be going around then.
“Because Freo had a pick before them, we knew straight away.”
She was, of course, full of gratitude and appreciation for the family and local football contingent who had helped elevate her profile and bring her to the big dance.
Not least of all, her star sister who’d done it all before.
“Basically everyone was there supporting me, which was so cool,” Egan said.
“I took all the advice I could from Grace. She’s such an inspiration and I love her so much.
“I’ve worked hard and gotten the result at the end of the day and I’m so grateful for it. I’ve had so much support from both my clubs in Shepparton and everyone’s always asked if I need anything.
“I’m so excited and I really want to thank my family for everything they’ve done for me.
“Hopefully, I’ll pay them all back one day and create some core memories.”