After a long absence from competitive matches, Geelong draftee Darcy Moloney can’t wait to run out on the field for her first NAB AFL Women’s clash on Sunday.

The 18-year-old was told by coach Paul Hood and assistant coach Aaron Black that she would be making her debut against North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos in the season-opener at GMHBA Stadium.

It will be her first match for points since mid-March last year, when she ran out for her final NAB League game with the Geelong Falcons, before COVID-19 hit.

“It’s pretty surreal at the minute, it’s come around really quick, honestly,” Moloney said of her debut.

“It’s a bit of a weird feeling – I don’t really know how to describe it – but I’m just honoured that the coaches trust me to be able to run out for Round 1.

“To be able to wear the hoops for the first time, I’m just really honoured.”

The news has gone down especially well with Moloney’s mum, Connie, a diehard Geelong supporter.

“She said to me today that she tears up a little bit every time she thinks about it, so I think she’s pretty excited and will be pretty emotional the day of (the game),” Moloney said.

“She said to me the other night, ‘Who would’ve thought that my daughter would be running out in the Geelong colours?’, so I think she’s pretty excited.”

Moloney, who lives in Colac, was Geelong’s top pick in the 2020 NAB AFL Women’s draft, number 10 overall.

A versatile midfielder, Moloney has also been honing her forward craft at Geelong, and is known for being an excellent linking player and good decision-maker.

She captained the Falcons, and was a bottom-age Vic Country representative at the 2019 Under 18 National Championships.

After the events of 2020 denied young footballers across the state opportunities in their final underage year, Moloney said she was grateful for the opportunity to play again.

“I think not having footy for so long and not playing for so long has made me more hungry for it, and made me realise how lucky I am to have it and have the opportunity to play,” she said.

“It’s made me more grateful that we actually get a season and that the AFL and all that are doing all they can so that we do get a season.

“It makes me even more excited just to be able to run out and play for the first time in a long time.”

While for many the long time between games have made the pre-season a lengthy one, Moloney said it felt like “just a week ago” she walked through the doors of the Premiership Stand for the first time as a player.

She never had the opportunity to play on GMHBA Stadium during her interrupted NAB League career, so was looking forward to the opportunity to run out against the Kangaroos on Sunday.

“I’m expecting a hard-fought battle, a physical game, but I think if we stick to our game plan and our strengths, that we’ll stick it to them,” Moloney said.

“I think we have a really good chance to upset them.”

The Cats open their 2021 NAB AFL Women’s season this Sunday at GMHBA Stadium at the new time of 12.10pm AEDT.

For fans heading to the game, tickets must be purchased online via Ticketmaster prior to the match.

You can click here to get your ticket. Remember, members get in for free by using their Membership barcode when purchasing a ticket. Tickets are $10 for Adults, under 18 are free.