So when it was announced in October last year that she had been selected by the GIANTS with the 39th pick of the draft, she was overwhelmed by feelings of shock and excitement.

“From playing as a kid I never imagined it would get to this point,” the 24-year-old from Geelong said.

“I received so many messages of congratulations, you just couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.”

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Now living in Marrickville, Monahan spent much of her younger years representing North Geelong, before deciding to become a sapper in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Despite working full-time, her AFL hopes never faded. After a few games representing the ADF, she resumed playing for the UNSWES Stingrays in the AFL Sydney Women’s Premier League.

The year 2017 was a fantastic one for the hard-running midfielder, winning the premiership with the UNSW side and finishing third in the competition’s best and fairest award.

With a routine that consists of starting work at 7am, heading off to training at 3pm and finishing up late at night, her path hasn’t been an easy one.

“I definitely count all my hours of sleep but I wouldn’t want it any other way,” she said.

The GIANTS' Women’s side kick off their 2018 season in Melbourne against the Demons on February 3 and Monahan hopes the team can make an immediate impact.

“We are looking to increment everything we have learnt and show just how good a team we really are,” she said.

This article first appeared in the Inner West Courier as Phoebe Monahan Selected for GWS GIANTS on Tuesday, January 16. CLICK HERE to veiw original article.