Perry encouraged Hicks' dual-sport pursuit

Oct 20, 2017 - 5:47 AM When dual-code star Ellyse Perry told Greater Western Sydney recruit Jodie Hicks she could successfully juggle playing AFLW and cricket, she listened.

The 20-year-old, who will soon start her third Women's Big Bash League campaign with the Sydney Sixers, was the fifth pick at the AFLW draft on Wednesday.

Hicks says cricket and soccer ace Perry was among those she turned to for advice on whether playing two codes was a good idea.

"She was definitely on board," Hicks told reporters in Sydney on Friday.

"Anytime you ask her a question she's happy to help out, so I've been really lucky having her around."

It was Australian rules football that Hicks learnt to play first in her hometown of Hay in NSW's Riverina.

Being unable to keep doing so beyond age 14 meant she turned to other sports, though her love of footy didn't fade.

"Every time at cricket, I'd always have a footy in my hand," she said.

The midfielder, who nominated for the AFLW draft after a strong season at the Belconnen Magpies, said both the Sixers and GWS were eager to support her juggling act in the coming months.

There will only be a week between the end of the BBL series, which runs from December to February, and the start of the AFLW season.

Hicks doesn't expect it to be an easy road but is confident she can do it by listening to her body.

And she has no plans to change tack any time soon.

"I reckon do both as long as possible (and) try to inspire other people to try and do the same thing," she said.

Source: AAP