GIANTS AFLW recruit Pepa Randall is keen to make up for lost time.

The mobile key defender, who joined the GIANTS from Melbourne in exchange for Ashleigh Guest during the AFLW tade period in May, had to sit back and watch her teammates make history in the inaugural AFLW season as she was sidelined with an ankle injury. 

“I just want to get out there and play,” she said.

“I haven’t had the opportunity to play at this level and I feel like I learned a lot at Melbourne in that elite environment but now I really want an opportunity to keep learning but actually get the chance to put it in action out on the park.”

Randall, who plays for the Eastern Devils in the VFL Women’s competition, comes from a solid footballing bloodline. 

Her great-grandfather Viv Randall polled 30 Brownlow votes in 73 games for Hawthorn during the mid 1930s while her grandfather Trevor played two games for the Hawks in 1960. 

“It seemed to have stopped since them, so there’s no immediate uncles or fathers have played,” Randall said. 

“I think my grandfather is just happy to see someone who is finally pursuing the AFL career again. Hopefully I can do them proud.” 

A tall, dashing defender, Randall will help strengthen the GIANTS backline in 2018. 

“I’ve been playing a lot of shut-down roles so I really like taking people out of the game especially if they’ve got a lot of pace,” she said.

“I love running, so if I can chase someone around all day and give them a bit of a hard time it’s what I like to pride myself on. 

“If I can sneak out the back and run off I’d definitely take the opportunity.”