Her journey might not have started at GMHBA Stadium, but there is no doubt that Chantel Emonson bleeds blue and white as the star defender prepares to play her 75th AFLW game this week. 

Entering the competition in 2019, Emonson played through the early stages as the AFLW was starting to find its feet, pushing through the adversity as the league started to evolve and flourish. 

After three years with the Demons, the reliable defender made the transition to Geelong ahead of the 2022 season, quickly becoming one of the key figures that has helped to establish the Cats as one of the competition's strongest clubs. 

Now, as Emonson prepares to play her 75th AFLW game, she noted that the milestone is a chance both to reflect on how far the competition has come, but also how bright the future is moving forward. 

"I think it is probably one also for those girls before me as well, that weren't able to participate in AFLW because it wasn't around with those opportunities," Emonson told Cats Media. 

"A lot of it is for them as well, I feel very privileged to run out there and play AFLW.

"Growing up, there wasn't those opportunities for us, for girls to play footy. I think it is really special and it is something to celebrate.

"When you get older and later in your career, it is important to celebrate those things as well."

Emonson played 22 games with the Demons in her three years at the club before making the move down the highway, making her club debut in the opening round of the 2022 season. 

She has gone on to play another 52 games for the Cats and is set to play the 75th AFLW game of her career this week, when Geelong take on Richmond at IKON Park on Friday night. 

Emonson was on the Cats' inactive list in 2025 as she welcomed the arrival of her first child, Luna, before returning and recapturing her impressive form right from the start of 2026. 

Envisioning the opportunities for young girls like her daughter to grow up and pursue a career in sport, Emonson said it is a real credit to the AFLW and how much the competition has grown since its inception. 

"I think for those girls coming through, from under age and straight into the AFLW these days, how good is that?" Emonson said with a smile. 

"To be able to roll straight into that and that is what they do as their day to day life, that is awesome for them.

"But I think it is still really important for those that have started from the start as well, acknowledging those and what they have done for the competition as well, I think that is huge.

"Someone had to start out and do those bare minimum wages early days, but I think it is huge for girls growing up to have so many role models.

"I think that is really special for them to look up to as well."