Ararat Storm player Isabella Simmons selected in 2020 AFLW draft

Simmons, of Stawell, was selected by Melbourne at pick 48.

She joins fellow Greater Western Victorian Rebels teammate Maggie Caris who was picked at 17 for the same club.

Despite a turbulent year for football in 2020, the tall midfielder/forward has continued to develop her game after a successful junior campaign, including securing positions in the Greater Western Victorian Rebels team, Vic Country team and AFL Women's National Academy.

Simmons started her football career at Stawell in under-14s, before moving to play for the Ararat Storm in a female football league.

FIND OUT WHAT ISABELLA SAID BEFORE THE DRAFT

Another former Ararat Storm player Renee Saulitis was picked at 34 by St Kilda.

Pre-season will commence with a two-week induction period starting Wednesday, November 4.

The 2021 AFLW season is scheduled to start the week commencing February 1.

As the AFLW is not a full-time competition, restrictions were placed on this year's draft to ease the burden on players.

READ MORE:

Players nominated for the state in which they wanted to be drafted.

If a player was not selected in the draft, and a club from another state has an available spot, they are able to approach the player to see if they are interested in moving.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Ararat Advertiser, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ararat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great town.