Pocket Profile- Aleshea Houlahan (Player, UTS Bats)

Get to know UTS Bats Women’s Premier Divison Player, Aleshea Houlahan!

Name: Aleshea Houlahan
Nickname: Leash.. not very creative
AFL Sydney Club: UTS Bats
Junior Club: n/a
Position/s: Back line
Playing Number: 13
Usual Grade: Women’s Premier Division
First season of AFL Sydney footy: 2020
Why did you start playing footy?
I grew up watching footy but played soccer my whole life. I just wanted to do something different, and this made the most sense.
What is your most memorable AFL Sydney moment?
Having one of our games aired on Kayo was pretty great, even if we didn’t get the win
What is the best part about playing at your current club?
A friend recommended the club because of their strong sense of community. And I wasn’t disappointed. The one club mentality across divisions, and from men’s to women’s is clearly a priority for the Bats.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or routines?
Yes.. I pack my bag the night before, and then re pack it in the morning atleast 3 times
What is the best advice you have received as a player and from who?
I don’t get much opportunity in front of goals, so when I got a penalty this season within distance, fellow teammate and assistant coach Tait Mackrill grabbed me and said just kick through the ball. So simple, but as an inexperienced player it was exactly what I needed to hear.
Who has the best kick at the club?
I would love to see a kick off between Jess Skinner and Sam Williams
What is one AFL rule you would change and why?
I don’t like the new man on the mark rule, and the fact that you can’t move sideways with the kicker
What are you missing most about footy during lockdown?
Match day is the highlight of my week. I love everything about it, the pre game nerves, the vibes in warm up and half time chats… and what is better than a post game pub feed.
Interests outside of football?
Dog enthusiast
Which teammate is most likely to:
Turn up late Mel Lindsay
Be on the massage table Jo Kolodziej spends more time on the table than training
Forget their boots Julia Georos has had to run home pre game on more than one occasion
Suck up to the coach I’m not even going to pretend like it’s not me
Appear on the next season of Australian Survivor Pippa Smyth and she would win it too
Who is your tip to win the 2021 AFL Premiership & Brownlow Medal?
It would be great to see Melbourne take it after such a long time.

Clayton Oliver has to be up there if not number 1.

Who would you like to see as the Pre-Game entertainment for the 2021 AFL Grand Final?
Any WA local artist would be ideal
What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
I’d fund the Bat and Ball oval redevelopment so the Bats could use it next season
First place you want to visit after travel restrictions lift?
I will just be happy to be able to travel out of 5kms to see my family
What is the one superpower you wish you had and why?
To never miss a kick at goal.. that would be nice
Apple Music or Spotify?
Spotify
Pineapple on Pizza. Yes/ No?
Absolutely not
Usual coffee order?
Almond Latte

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