The world of professional sports is filled with inspiring stories of perseverance, dedication and triumph. But behind every athlete's success is often a network of individuals who’ve played a crucial role in their journey. In the AFLW, Tahlia Hickie's story is no exception.
Brisbane Lions' Player Development Manager, Sally Young, sat down for an interview alongside Tahlia, sharing their unique journey together – a story that goes far beyond the football oval. The interview, brimming with warmth, humour and mutual respect, unveils the deep bond between the two.
Sally spotted Tahlia’s potential at under-15
Their story begins ten years ago when a young, shy Tahlia, described by Sally as a “tall, skinny, scrawny girl,” first stepped onto the footy field at an under-15 girls training session. Sally, then a coach at Coorparoo, saw Tahlia's potential from the get-go. “It didn’t take long for her sassiness to come out. I could tell she could be a good AFL player,” Sally remembers. “She was very athletic, really enjoyed it, and was trying to have fun.
“She's definitely grown up since then,” Sally confirms. “She’s changed physically. She's stronger, she's faster, fitter and mentally more resilient – she’s gone through a lot. She's still got some sass, but she's very caring and all of that has come out as she's grown up.”
“Sally taught me how to play – she put me in the ruck,” says Tahlia. “She taught me how to kick too – that can’t have been easy!” she laughs.
Nurturing coaching style fostered Tahlia’s passion
Sally's nurturing coaching style, which focuses on making footy fun while honing skills, was instrumental in fostering Tahlia's passion for the game. “Tahlia would a hundred percent not be playing footy if it wasn't enjoyable!” Sally confirms.
Their relationship developed beyond the boundaries of the footy oval and extended into Tahlia's first job at Sally's café. “I hired Tahlia because I knew what she was like on the footy field. She was committed, she did everything I ever asked of her. She was always there early. All of those attributes you would want in an employee,” says Sally.
The two joke about the challenges of the early 6am starts in the café, however. “I’m not an early morning person,” laughs Tahlia. Sally says, “I remember I would say to Tahlia in the morning, ‘can you just smile at the customers?’ And she's like, you put me on this time slot. And I'm like, yeah, it is my fault, but please, we want the customers to come back!”
“I got better though,” smiles Tahlia. “And my coffee-making ability by the end was good too. I always thought Sally was a really good boss, and honestly, if she ever owned a café again, I would work there in a heartbeat,” she affirms.
Their close bond even extended to the pair getting matching tattoos. Sally explains: “Tahlia said ‘Hey Sal, I love you so much, let’s get a matching tattoo’.” They compare a photo of Tahlia’s tattoo on her upper thigh to Sally’s on her upper arm. “Yours is much more visible than mine,” laughs Tahlia.
Shared big moments in Tahlia’s career
“There are plenty of ways we could have just floated away but we always find ways to help each other,” says Sally. “You’ve been a part of a lot of big moments,” confirms Tahlia.
Sally recalls one of those big moments on Tahlia’s path to success. She recounts the heart-wrenching moment when Tahlia discovered a cyst in her fibula during her draft year. “We weren’t even sure if it was cancerous or not. Then we found out that it wasn’t, but you had a lot to go through,” says Sally. “It was real-life scary.”
The uncertainty surrounding the situation, coupled with the potential derailment of Tahlia's AFLW dreams, cast a dark cloud over their shared aspirations.
But Tahlia, with Sally's unwavering support, refused to give in to despair. “Sally was a huge part in me being able to get back to play and then get drafted the following year,” Tahlia gratefully acknowledges. “As much as I didn't want to do anything or didn't want to leave the house, Sally was there dragging me to the gym and helping me do my rehab.
“A huge part of the reason I was able to come back was because I did feel for a little bit like it's done, it's over, because 12 months is a really long time when you're 18 years old. If it wasn't for Sally, I probably wouldn't have been able to come back and get drafted the next year.”
This period of adversity served as a crucible that forged Tahlia's resilience and strengthened their bond even further.
Brisbane Lions seal Grand Final victory
Sally's proudest moment came in 2021 when Tahlia, having overcome her injury to secure a spot in the AFLW, played a pivotal role in the Brisbane Lions' Grand Final victory. “They won after so many heartbreaks as a team. And Tahlia in particular, after all she’d been through – it felt like it was all worth it,” she explains. “After such a breakout season,” Sally recalls, “I felt like I couldn’t not be there!”
Tahlia expresses her gratitude and recognises Sally's invaluable contribution to her journey. “She's been a part of huge moments along my career,” Tahlia affirms. “But I think, looking back at all the other stuff I went through in my life... we just built our relationship outside of footy as well.”
Their interview concludes with heartwarming exchanges that underscore their deep connection. Tahlia underlines their bond by declaring, “I’m Tahlia Hickie and Sally is my number 1 fan”.
Their story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and mentors alike. It's a testament to the enduring power of friendship, the profound impact of believing in someone's potential, and the transformative journey that unfolds when passion, dedication and unwavering support converge.
