Laura Attard has unfinished business with the AFLW.
The 33-year-old believes her first season at Bond University was the best footy she has played in her career.
While it didn’t amount to an AFLW jersey, it did earn her a prestigious Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarship for 2020.
Attard has set her sights on leading the Bull Sharks to a premiership and returning to the premier women’s competition.
“I’m thrilled to get the scholarship, it cements all the work I’ve put into my AFLW career,” Attard told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
“Being a part of the leadership group and playing at Bond was a big factor in getting the scholarship.
“I really felt I had more to offer the AFLW and I wanted a club to get me in the best position possible to get re-drafted, while I didn’t get drafted this year, it hasn’t been a deterrent for me.
“I know personally I’ve played the best footy of my whole career in the last 12 months. And I know I’m capable of more
“It’s the most consistent and versatile footy I’ve played.”
Attard – who played in the inaugural season of the AFLW for Carlton in 2017 - will study a Doctor of Physiotherapy while playing for the Bull Sharks next season.
The versatile defender hopes to continue her career in the AFLW – on or off the field.
“The exciting thing is for the older AFLW players who are set to go into coaching and administration roles within the AFLW once their on-field careers finish,” she said.
“The massive growth in number of women playing the game and that exposure since the AFLW was announced has been tremendous.
“The reigns are off next year, I want to be a great leader for Bond on and off the field next year and whatever happens at the end of that, so be it.”