Despite only being 16 years old, rising Torres Strait AFLW star Mistee Sagigi says she has been able to see the positive side to a temporary injury setback that has her currently sidelined. Photo: Supplied.
An injury setback can be low point in an athlete’s life, but one young rising AFLW star is choosing to look at it in a positive light.
Thursday Island’s Mistee Sagigi, who plays for the Gold Coast Suns under-17 women’s team, suffered a mild concussion during a match against the Sydney Swans late last month, forcing her out of at least one of two remaining national development squad matches of the season.
Sagigi, who has progressed rapidly in the sport, said she had opted to view the injury as a blessing in disguise.
“I think I needed to have a little rest from AFL, because I’ve been constantly travelling and playing, so my injury kind of helped me a bit,” she said.
“I’d always give my all in every game.
“I think it’s helped me just calm down a little bit, and maybe relax and enjoy it a bit more.”
The 16-year-old picked up a Sherrin for the first time through the AFL Cape York development program at Tagai State College, and despite only playing her first competitive match two years ago, her natural talent and determination for the sport set her apart and got her scouted by the Gold Coast-based Suns franchise.
Sagigi said she had been reaching burnout from the constant hustle of the sport, and admitted the forced break had actually helped her to see how passionate she was about the game and getting back on the paddock once given the all-clear by medical staff.
“I’m very excited, and I want it more, because this is my first time having a concussion and actually stepping away from AFL,” she said.
“I think it’s made me a better player, because if I do well in my AFL career, I’ve already witnessed it, so I’d know what it feels like and how to look after it.”
