YOU HEAR about the basketballers, or netballers, or even soccer players who cross codes and give Aussie Rules a crack, but that’s too mainstream for Mietta Kendall.

The 18-year-old, who was selected by Melbourne with pick No.41 in this year’s Draft, has a background in two slightly more unique sports that have prepared her to take the next step at AFLW level.

Starting karate in Primary School, Kendall earned her black belt by Year 8 and won multiple state tournaments, so it’s fair to say she holds no fears on the footy field.

“I guess footy is more rough in a way, but it has definitely helped me with that,” she told Melbourne Media.

“All the sports I have played in the past, I see bits of them come out in my footy.”

Her second sport was equally as physical, and potentially more intimidating: hockey.

And of course, she stood right in the firing line as the goalkeeper.

“I guess because they’re not trying to fire them at you, they’re trying to fire them next to you, it’s not as bad,” Kendall said.

“I love it because it’s a good adrenaline rush, being that last person – it’s a lot of fun.”

Padded up in front of the opposition’s goal, Kendall was the difference between a win and a loss for her side, making it to state level hockey as a junior.

And despite deciding football was her path forward, she knows that experience as a goalie will hold her in good stead.

“I think the majority of my ability to read the play well comes from hockey,” Kendall said.

“Because you’re on the last line of defence, your job is to yell at all your teammates and tell them where to go because you can see the whole field.

“It’s kind of the same as being a backman in footy – you can see a lot of the field, so if you see something you’ve got to call out.”

From the physicality to the game smarts, Kendall is prepared for whatever the AFLW throws at her.

But it is her ability to deal with high-pressure situations which she may be best rehearsed in.

“If you have a draw in a final it goes to one on one’s straight away instead of extra time,” she said.

“Those one on one’s are a lot of fun – they’re crazy stress moments, but they’re fun.

“I think it’s definitely got me ready for whatever is to come – whether it’s finals in footy or AFL now, getting used to the pressure of that, hockey has definitely helped me.”

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Of course, she has played football for eight years as well, juggling all her passions during school.

But ultimately, AFLW was the dream, and she couldn’t have been happier when it became a reality.

“I was pretty excited when I heard my name called out,” Kendall said.

“It was a really nerve-wracking night because I wasn’t too sure whether I was going to get picked up or not – wasn’t sure at all.

“It was a really happy moment and I had a bit of a cry because I was just so happy and excited to be a part of the club and finally have my dreams come true a bit.”