OVER the past few weeks, Bianca Jakobsson has been forced to make the toughest of decisions.
After juggling two passions throughout the summer, Jakobsson opted to follow a new path, which meant stepping aside from her duties with the Dees.
“Ultimately, I had to make the really hard decision to step away from AFLW this year and focus on my career in the Police Force,” Jakobsson told Melbourne Media.
“I was sort of sitting on it for a few weeks and probably knew deep down I wasn’t being the best version of myself out on the track.
“I love to give 100 percent to everything, so I made that tough decision and now I’m focusing on my career.”
Jakobsson is a much-loved character who will certainly be missed around the club, but she couldn’t refuse this golden opportunity to chase her dream career.
“Joining the Police Force is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Jakobsson said.
“I originally applied back in 2016 and then withdrew my application because AFLW came about and I wanted to put everything into that.
“I’ve always wanted to do it and it’s a huge passion of mine, so super happy now to focus on my career.”
While the star Demon initially hoped to continue pulling on the red and blue on the side, the demands of the Academy proved to be too intense.
“I thought coming into the process I could probably manage the two, but then things kept popping up … which put a bit of extra pressure on me,” Jakobsson said.
“I graduate in June ... then I’ll be out of the station and operational with a bit more flexibility.
“The Academy’s quite air-tight. You’ve got so many assessments and exams and all that sort of stuff compiled in and it doesn’t leave much wiggle room for something like AFLW.
“So that’ll be me for the next few months.”
It’s been an overwhelming period for Jakobsson who has had to ride the highs and lows of what this move holds, but the toughest part of all came last week when she confronted her teammates.
“I broke the news to them and it was really emotional,” she said.
“I was an absolute mess – I don’t think the team would’ve been able to understand a word I was saying.
“It was really tough and I have so much respect for the club and the girls and I just want to see them succeed.
“I’m sad I can’t be a part of it, but I’ll definitely be supporting on the sidelines.”
The 26-year-old, who was originally drafted to Carlton with pick No.3 in the inaugural AFLW Draft, has played 20 games to date, and says the possibility of adding to that tally in 2021 remains alive.
“Knowing I’ve had a taste of it and playing in the competition for the last three years made that decision that tiny little bit easier, but still nonetheless really tough,” Jakobsson said.
“I know what it takes to be at that level so I’m hoping I can get back there when I’m out of the Academy and established in my career.
“I’m looking forward to VFL already.
“That’s a bit of a step down from AFL level, so I think it’ll be good to ease into that and play some games in the VFL, and hopefully I’ll be back here this time next year playing for the Dees.”
