As Greater Western Victoria Rebels duo Sophie Molan and Ella Wood sat in the Pavilion at the Melbourne Showgrounds during the AFLW draft, nerves were running high.
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Despite the fact both had been projected to be drafted, Molan and Wood told The Courier they were the furthest thing from calm as the names began to be called out.
"I was so nervous at the start of the day," Molan said.
"My family were reassuring me at home that I would get drafted but you just don't believe it until it happens."
Wood echoed her rebels teammates sentiments.
"There was a lot of shaking and sweating, I've been super nervous in the lead up to this day. It's something I'd worked for over the past 11 or 12 years," Wood said.
Even after being drafted seventh overall, Molan said it took a while for reality to sink in.
"Even after I was drafted, putting on the jersey it doesn't feel real, I'm still shaking."
A standout in her fourth year with the Rebels in 2019, Molan thanked the people she said had helped her get to her to this point.
"Parto (Phil Partington) and Rhys (Cahir) at the Rebels have done so much for me over the four years that I've been there and I definitely wouldn't be the player I am today without their help.
"Mt Clear Football Club was amazing... letting me actually play being the only girl, the skills that I have now is a testament to them letting me play and the (Lake Wendouree) Lakers kept letting me play once I left Mt Clear."
While Molan spoke to the media after the draft's first round, she missed the second and third rounds, which saw her Rebels teammates Ella Wood (pick 31) and Nekaela Butler (pick 55) join her at Richmond.
Once it had been brought to her attention, it seemed nothing could wipe the smile off Molan's face.
"It's awesome... to play together at Richmond now is just the cherry on top. We're pretty good mates so hopefully we won't cause too much of a ruckus down at Tigerland," she laughed.
Wood, who has been a Tigers fan her entire life, said it was a surreal feeling to simply wear the yellow and black as a member of the new women's side.
"It kind of felt like a dream. To be heading to Richmond, I'm just super stoked and excited to just get out there with the girls. I've been a huge Tigers supporter my whole life so I'm just really excited."
Coming from Ararat, Wood thanked the people around her for always having faith in her ability.
"My whole family and close friends have always supported me. They've never doubted me at all and that's been huge."
