Lining up her first shot on goal in the AFLW, Tarnee Tester did everything she could to block out the 35,000 fans who had flocked to Optus Stadium to watch Saturday’s inaugural RAC derby.
When Tester’s set shot from 30 metres out drifted through the uprights, she clapped her hands in delight knowing that she had converted her first and West Coast's third-ever AFLW goal.
Tester has kicked plenty of snags before.
The Subiaco product slotted 26 majors to claim the 2019 WAFLW Joanne Huggins Leading Goalkicker Award, but she said piercing the uprights at Optus Stadium felt entirely different.
“It was a moment that you grow up dreaming that you get the chance to do to, kick my first one,” Tester said.
“I wanted to block out the crowd. I just wanted to experience my first ever goal and to kick it was a surreal feeling.”
She managed to home in on that shot, but Tester didn’t let the moment of her first home game escape her entirely.
Tester said that running out through the tunnel in front of the blue and gold faithful was something she’d always remember.
“I had to stop looking at Courtney Guard. As we were running out, we were both tearing up,” Tester said.
“It’s a really special moment. As soon as I ran out in front of the crowd to hear the roar and seeing all the supporters around you.
“It’s a surreal feeling and you certainly end up with a lot of goosebumps on your arms.”
The 27-year-old takes nothing for granted, least of all her place in West Coast’s inaugural AFLW team.
The Broken Hill product believes there is something special about the group and that it has the potential to lay the foundations for the club's future AFLW success.
“I still have to pinch myself a few times to realise that I’m here,” Tester said.
“To be part of the first inaugural West Coast Eagles’ female side is something incredibly humbling,
“The connection and the culture we’re building at the club will be around this club for a very long time.
“It’s not for our generation but for the generations that come after us.”
