The leap from state level footy to the big stage comes with an unique set of challenges, but for well-travelled defender Sarah Wright, the transition has been smoother than expected.

“I definitely didn’t expect to be in at Round 1,” Wright told North Media.

“I thought I’d struggle with it, in terms of gym and my eating. But I’ve picked it up pretty well. It’s obviously a big step up from VFLW level, especially after three seasons.

“We’ve got ice baths after our sessions, and everything else you get given, even stuff like the food for games. It’s definitely much better than local level.

“I know that I’ve had to pick up all those elite traits straight away. But it’s nice to be looked after, that’s for sure.”

Wright has featured for the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos in every game of the season proper in 2020 – something that has surpassed even her own expectations.

The 25-year-old looks back on the experience with great pride, rubbing shoulders with players she has followed on her football journey.

“Coming into this program, I was definitely a little bit nervous,” Wright revealed.

“To meet some of the new girls, but more than that, players I’ve watched like ‘Kearns’ (Emma Kearney), ‘Jammin’ (Jas Garner) and all that. It’s been great.

“The girls have a really good reputation in the footy world, and I was a bit scared to meet them. But they’re all great people and really down to earth.

“It goes to show how great it is here and how quickly everyone makes you feels like family.”

Despite the initial disappointment of North’s narrow Round 1 loss to Melbourne, Wright is enjoying the learning curve that comes with competing at the highest level.

This was evident in her most recent showing, having played a key role in an impressive win against the Giants in Launceston.

“For me, I think Round 1 was disappointing,” Wright said.

“I probably didn’t play my best game in the lead-up. The nerves and pre-game stuff wasn’t exactly there for me. Everything was much better last week and I think we really played our game.

“We really started really well this time against GWS, especially compared to the Melbourne game.

“From there we were able to build and keep the pressure, which was really important.”

Secured with the 32nd pick in last year’s AFLW draft, Wright is eager to repay the faith shown in her by coach Scott Gowans.

“He wants to win, as do we, which really shows,” she added.

“Because it’s such a short season, there isn’t really much time to learn new things. Not to say that we don’t learn along the way, but we need to win at all costs.

“You have to do whatever it takes to win, which we try to do every week.”

Although she’s pleased with her development so far, Wright is looking to improve week-on-week, citing a teammate as one of her biggest influences. 

“It’d have to be Jas Garner, she’s just elite,” she said.

“Everything she does, from getting here and out there before training, from doing ground balls to kicking balls. The way she’s able to pick the ball up and kick goals, it’s amazing.

“The main thing is just seeing how hard the girls work at training.

“That’s the level that they’re always at. They don’t have any sessions where they’re below par, and that’s probably the main thing for me.”