UPDATE: Former Kangaroo Flat footballer Shelby Knoll made a stunning impact in her AFLW debut for the Richmond Tigers, scoring a goal with her very first kick. The momentous event took place on Saturday afternoon against the Gold Coast Suns at IKON Park.
Just a day after turning 25, Knoll showcased her skills by converting a challenging set-shot from the boundary, marking Richmond’s opening goal of the game. Despite her impressive debut, the Tigers ultimately fell short, losing the match 39-25.
Knoll’s journey to this moment has been anything but easy. After being selected by Richmond in the AFLW supplementary draft in April 2023, she faced a devastating setback with an ACL injury in December. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Knoll completed her rehabilitation and earned her call-up for Richmond’s final game of the season.
“Two weeks ago, none of this was on the radar for me,” Knoll said after her selection. “I didn’t have any expectation that anything would come of it, so it was obviously a fantastic moment when it happened.”
Knoll began her football career with the youth girls team at Kangaroo Flat in 2014 and played for the senior women’s team before joining Castlemaine in the Central Victorian Football League in 2022. In her last season with the Magpies, she scored an impressive 52 goals and contributed to a premiership victory.
As the AFLW season wraps up, this debut marks a significant highlight for Knoll, who has overcome adversity to rise through the ranks. Fans are now eager to see how she will contribute in future seasons.
Stay tuned as we follow Knoll’s career and the developments in the AFLW. This debut is just the beginning for a player who has shown remarkable tenacity and talent.
