Maizels’ impressive cross-code Magpies move
It’s a massive cross-code achievement for the tall and athletic 30-year-old – a former goalkeeper for Melbourne Victory FC.
“It’s a dream come true and still feels a bit surreal,” Melissa Maizels told The AJN on Tuesday, less than a week after the diehard Collingwood fan was presented with her VFLW player’s jersey for the club, after earning her place in its 2024 season squad as a full-forward.
It’s a massive cross-code achievement for the tall and athletic 30-year-old – a former goalkeeper for Melbourne Victory FC, who still remains heavily involved with the A-League Women’s club this season as their goalkeeping coach.
The two-time Maccabiah Games athlete – in football and futsal – and founder of Hattrick Football Coaching, decided in mid-2023 to step away from playing football for NPL Victoria club Heidelberg FC’s women’s side to focus on making her mark in Aussie Rules footy and trialled for the Magpies’ VFLW squad early this summer, impressing in several practice games.
“I’ve followed the Magpies since I was a kid and I decided to pursue this personal challenge to give myself the chance to do something as a footy player that wasn’t available to me as a girl growing up.
“I trialled as a full-forward and found some success in the practice games, making some strong contested marks and kicking some goals and I was fortunate to cement a spot in the squad.”
Although football goalkeepers are very athletic, not many are known for their running ability, but Maizels said she enjoys running and has always included it in her training routine.
Her passion for both football and Aussie Rules remains and she feels very fortunate to now be directly involved in both sports in a professional capacity, as an experienced coach in one and an emerging player in the other, whose long-term goal is to play in the AFLW.
“It’s been such an incredible journey from being part of the Melbourne Victory women’s playing squad to becoming a member of their coaching staff and I’m thankful for everybody’s support during that transition.”
“So when that opportunity came, I knew I was ready.”
She added, she is “so thankful” to Collingwood and their VFLW head coach Tom Cashin, for providing the flexibility to accommodate her ongoing commitments to the Victory, as their women’s team remains in the finals hunt, with two rounds to go.
“I’ll have to miss round one of the VFLW this weekend because I’ll be in Newcastle with the Victory, but I’m hoping that, if I can perform well at footy training, I’ll be in contention to make by VFLW debut during the Easter long weekend.”
Maizels’ Magpies jersey presentation was extra special because her mum Dale and dad Andrew, were there to share the moment.
“Mum and dad are both equally proud, of course, but my dad is the reason I’ve been a Collingwood supporter all my life and we went to the AFL grand final at the MCG last year to see the Magpies win a premiership.
“So when I was presented with my black and white jersey, dad and I embraced and tears flowed – it was very special.”
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