When it comes to making sacrifices to play football, Georgia Bevan has made a few.
The 26-year-old has left her home, her partner and her new puppy to pursue her AFLW career.
Originally from South Australia, Bevan made the move to Melbourne a few weeks ago when she heard that Hawthorn had a place for her on their VFLW list.
The Adelaide Crows player has since reunited with former AFLW premiership-winning teammates Talia Radan and Sarah Perkins.
“The opportunity to play footy again with Perko (Perkins) and Talia was something that really sold the idea,” said Bevan.
“But most of all the Hawks seemed like a really professional outfit.
“I wanted to develop my footy further and I knew opportunities like this don’t come around too often so I decided I had to make it happen, even if it meant a bit of sacrifice for myself career-wise.”
Read: Hawks attend SSV carnival
So Bevan packed her bags and moved to Melbourne, a city she’d only ever visited briefly on trips with sporting teams.
She left behind in Adelaide her partner Ryan and her seven-month-old border collie, Lilo.
“Ryan is extremely supportive of anything I do and was all for me moving across.
“It’s hard moving away from little Lilo, sorry Ryan, as she’s just a puppy but I’m sure I’ll get lots of cuddles when I see her again.”
With nowhere to live, the Hawks family put out feelers for accommodation and new teammates Steph Carroll and Meg Hutchins came to the rescue.
Bevan moved into their place in Abbotsford and has made a home away from home.
“Moving in with Meg and Steph has made this experience so much easier.
“They’re welcoming, have a lovely place and have two beautiful dogs that I get to hang out with.
“They’ve shown me some great coffee places so far, we are in a great location for all things coffee and food, which I love.
“They make being away from family much easier.”
Bevan made her debut for the Hawks on the weekend in their three-point loss to the Southern Saints.
The midfielder impressed coach Paddy Hill in her first game.
“Georgia was very physical in her first hit out,” said Hill.
“She is a tough, strong onballer, who works hard out of stoppage and uses the ball.”
Bevan will play her second game for the Hawks this weekend when they play Footscray at Whitten Oval this Saturday at 12.00pm.
