Bishop Druitt College (BDC) is celebrating a landmark moment in its sporting history, with student-athlete Amaia Wain becoming the first student from the college and its High Performance Program to be drafted into the AFL or AFL Women’s (AFLW).

Amaia Wain Makes History as Bishop Druitt College’s First AFLW Draft Selection

Selected at Pick #4 in the national AFLW Draft, Amaia’s achievement represents an extraordinary milestone for both her and the BDC community, reflecting years of dedication, resilience, and elite performance at the highest level.

Amaia said the moment she heard her name called was unforgettable.

“I had just gotten home from Swans Academy training and went straight to my room to watch the live stream. As they read pick three, my legs started shaking. When they read my name out at pick four, I was filled with relief, happiness, and excitement — pretty much all emotions at once,” she said.

“I’m incredibly proud to be the first AFLW player from BDC, and I hope there are many more to follow. I hope to inspire future players and give them confidence that you can make it.”

Amaia’s journey has been defined by commitment well beyond the classroom, including regular travel to Sydney and interstate for training and competition, while balancing the demands of senior studies alongside an elite sporting schedule.

During Year 12 alone, Amaia completed 32 trips to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, spending more than 90 nights away from home in pursuit of her AFLW dream.

“It was difficult to balance everything at times, and the fatigue was definitely hard. I had to be super organised and often studied in the car on long trips,” Amaia said.

“I think all the challenges I faced helped me build resilience and motivated me to be the best I could. My motivation came from loving footy, being active, and always striving to improve.”

Amaia said becoming an AFLW player had been a dream since she first began playing in 2018, shortly after the AFLW competition launched.

“As soon as I started footy, I had such a strong love for the game and knew it was a possibility for my future,” she said.

BDC Head of High Performance, Natalie Titcume, said Amaia’s selection is a defining moment for the college and regional athlete development pathways.

“Amaia’s achievement is an incredible example of what is possible when talent, hard work, and opportunity come together,” Ms Titcume said.

“She has shown outstanding commitment over many years, and this moment reflects both her determination and the strength of the High Performance pathway at BDC.”

How Bishop Druitt College Supported Amaia’s AFLW Dream

Amaia credited the BDC High Performance Program as playing a significant role in her development both on and off the field.

“I started at BDC in Year 10 and immediately joined the High Performance Program. The strength and conditioning sessions helped build my fitness and strength, while the nutrition education and access to physio support were hugely valuable,” she said.

“The High Performance camp to the Gold Coast was also incredibly inspirational because it gave us insight into what it’s like to be in an elite sporting environment.”

Behind Amaia’s success has been a strong support network of family, teachers, and coaches who helped her navigate the challenges of balancing elite sport and education.

“My family, teachers, and coaches have played a huge role in my journey,” Amaia said.

“My family made many sacrifices so I could pursue my goals. My teachers supported me when I missed classes and helped me keep on top of my work, while my coaches pushed me to improve and taught me resilience, teamwork, and confidence.”

BDC Principal, Simon Doyle, said Amaia’s achievement sets a new benchmark for future student-athletes at the college.

“Amaia has made history for Bishop Druitt College,” Mr Doyle said.

“Her journey demonstrates what can be achieved when ambition is supported by a strong school community and a clear pathway for excellence. We are incredibly proud of her and excited to follow her professional career.”

Amaia said representing regional athletes on the national stage was something she carried with pride.

“Regional athletes definitely don’t have everything handed to them easily, so being able to compete nationally shows that talent and determination can come from anywhere,” she said.

“I hope my journey inspires younger athletes from regional areas to believe in themselves and chase their goals.”

Looking ahead to the next chapter of her career, Amaia said she is excited by the opportunity to compete at the highest level of the sport she loves.

“I’m incredibly excited to play footy at the highest level and challenge myself to become the best player I can,” she said.

“I’m also really excited to play with and against the players who have inspired me for years.”

Amaia Wain’s AFLW Draft selection marks a defining moment for BDC sport and reinforces the college’s growing reputation as a genuine pathway to elite performance through its High Performance Program.