WHEN an opportunity opened up in North Melbourne's midfield last season, it was a then 20-year-old Mia King who took it with both hands. Now with plenty of change at the club, she finds herself as one of the more experienced players, helping to set a standard for the fresh faces.
King landed at the Kangaroos from East Launceston via pick No.49 in the 2019 draft and worked hard in her first two seasons, earning 13 games in the stacked side. But it was this year where she really hit her stride, playing all 11 games in a career-defining season.
"We have such a talented, deep midfield. I was honestly really lucky to get more midfield time, especially with 'Kearns' (Emma Kearney) going back," King told womens.afl.
"I think last season was probably one of my best just because I was able to have more exposure throughout the midfield. Having a run through there and just learning and training from (Ashleigh) Riddell and like Jasmine Garner and (Jenna) Bruton. I think a lot of what I learned comes from them and watching them."
In round one, King found herself in the thick of it and thrived. Registering a then-career high 15 disposals and kicking a vital goal, she earned a Rising Star nomination and set herself up for a strong year. She would go on to average 14.5 disposals, 6.2 tackles and 1.6 clearances for the season, and this is now something the midfielder is looking to maintain heading into next season.
"One of my big focus areas is just consistency throughout the games. I was happy with a few games last season, but just being more consistent, and playing my role and just helping out the other midfielders. But yeah, I think just continue to build on last season," she said.
That consistency becomes even more important with the turnover her side has seen this off-season, but it is something that King views as an exciting opportunity more than anything.
"We've definitely got a really new team and that's really exciting when we've got a lot of young players coming through. I kind of feel like not an older player, but I'm still learning at helping the younger ones coming through," King said.
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A couple of new teammates have caught her eye, after a scratch match against Collingwood last Wednesday evening saw the side test some new players and combinations.
"I thought Erika O'Shea, one of the Irish recruits, (she's a) jet! She absolutely blitzed it. She was just everywhere. I think she's got such a good fitness level and her endurance and stuff…Erika has picked it up so quickly. It was really exciting to see that," King said.
King also points to forward Sophia McCarthy as someone Roos fans should get down to see.
"Even though she couldn't quite get that mark, that moment, she was using her body really well and she was getting to really good spots," she said.
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But for now, it's about managing expectations, controlling what can be controlled and supporting new faces as they settle in at AFLW level.
"We'll get there. Obviously, it won't happen straightaway but I think it's more this season, we don't necessarily have to shine or, you know, perform extremely well in the first few rounds, but just develop across the season and maintain that, especially through finals. I think we want to try and set that up this year," King said.
