Ajduk ready for the triple header

Summer Ajduk made her League debut at just 16 and is getting ready for the second half of the season along with the rest of her team.

Ajduk started playing with Swans in 2023 at 14. She was a part of the Roger Cup team for two seasons, before starting her career as a league player.

She played for Kalamunda Tigers in year 7 and 8 of school before she was introduced to Swan Districts Football Club through the development squad trainings at age 13.

Ajduk was asked to move to Swans and play the next season with Rogers Cup.

“It was definitely different, the pace of the game and physicality,” Ajduk said.

“I really enjoyed it and the environment with the team.”

“The goal was to then play league.”

In the women’s league team, Ajduk said she was welcomed by her teammates, despite the age gap.

“They give me great feedback, and I love the support.”

Having reached her goal this season, Ajduk is focused on pursuing her football career to become a professional player.

Adjuk attends Seda College where she says she is supported in her goal.

“The school is there to support and help you to get there,” Ajduk said.

Ajduk knew she loved the sport in year 3 of school but had a break from football until year 7 when she played for an all-girls team.

Early into her first season back, she played up a team for the year 9 and 10’s, where her collarbone was snapped in half in a collision with a player.

“I was running along when another player hip and shouldered me,” Ajduk said.

“I felt my shoulder crunch and I fell to the floor.”

Ajduk missed more than half of the season due to the injury but fortunately didn’t need surgery.

“I was a bit fearful coming back to the game, I needed to regain some confidence,” Ajduk said.

“I didn’t want the injury to ruin my footy career.”

With the women’s league team currently well placed to perform strongly in finals, Ajduk is optimistic about the team’s performance.

“We are definitely strong enough to get through it, I have high hopes,” said Ajduk.

The WAFL Women team begin a triple header here at Steel Blue Oval this weekend, taking on East Perth, bouncedown at 2:10pm.