From ball-chasing on muddy Benalla paddocks to mixing it in metropolitan Melbourne's cut and thrust, Meagan Webster is busting ceilings like no tomorrow.
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Two years ago Webster took the proverbial elevator by joining Moreland Zebras to expedite her football journey, punching all the right buttons along the way to now be a regular name on the team sheet for State League One's league-leader.
For context, she's only 17.
Swapping Shepparton South's stripes for those of the Zebras may have seemed a daunting move, but it was like trading a pen for a pencil in Meagan's eyes.
It's no surprise — she is a Webster, after all.
Hailing from a salivating sporting pedigree talked about all over the north east, the starlet opted for the round ball rather than an oval one early on.
And so far, there's been no need to look back.
The Youth Academy scouts sat down with Webster to turn the spotlight on her burgeoning career.
Life's a pitch
Bossing it as a defensive bastion along Moreland Zebras’ backline, the youngster feels most comfortable within the confines of four corner flags. Versatile as a left or right back, Webster is also no stranger to a marauding run down the wing. Which begs the question; what can't she do?
Youth Academy: How has the season been for you so far?
Meagan Webster: It’s been a good start, we’re at the top of the ladder at the moment. I’m pretty happy with how I’ve started the season personally as well.
YA: How long have you been with the Zebras, and how did that come about?
MW: I signed with the Zebras in 2019, but didn’t play a game in 2020 due to COVID-19. I saw Cindy Lay and Sean Sumner were coaching, so that intrigued me. I reached out to them to come for a kick and have stuck around since.
YA: What is the training like down in Melbourne?
MW: We still train about twice a week; we do lots of whiteboard sessions and high intensity drills.
YA: You’ve represented Victoria in the past, what was that experience like?
MW: I went to Brisbane to play in the nationals — we came second just behind NSW. I met some awesome girls there, some of which are actually playing in the W-League now. The coaching was great and overall it was a great experience to play alongside top players.
Family affair
Elite performance is ingrained into the very sinews which bind Webster together. Her sister Becky is blazing a trail in the AFLW with Geelong, while cousin Brody has proved to be one of the finest forwards Goulburn Valley League football has to offer. So how high will the youngest Webster fly? Only time will tell.
YA: How did you get into football initially?
MW: I started playing when I was about seven. I was doing track and field at the time locally in Benalla and I was looking for a winter sport. I was at the dinner table with my dad going through the sports and nothing stood out to me until I saw soccer. I remember coming home from my first training session covered in mud and I just fell in love with it from there.
YA: You come from a successful sporting family, how has that helped you personally?
MW: There has always been a bit of tough competition between me and my sister. The rivalry always pushes me to do better. It’s good to have those sporting genes I suppose. We all look out for and support each other.
YA: Who have been you main mentors so far?
MW: My dad Greg has probably been the number one. At GV Suns Craig Carley and Stuart Bethell both played very important roles in my development.
YA: What do you recall from your days at GV Suns and Shepparton South?
MW: I played at Suns for about two seasons and at South for another two years before moving to Moreland. My first year at Suns was all boys. That was one limitation I had, but I got along fine and it definitely helped develop me as a player. Afterwards I went to Shepp South and they were a great bunch of girls.
YA: What do you do outside of football to relax?
MW: I like to watch some soccer in my time off. I’m in Year 12, so a lot of my time is occupied with studying.
Tiki Taka
YA: What has been your favourite footballing moment?
MW: I’d probably say representing Victoria at nationals, that was pretty outstanding. I’ve also scored a few free kicks in my early days which was awesome for me.
YA: What has been your least favourite footballing moment?
MW: I’ve scored a few own goals and they are always pretty disappointing!
YA: Who is your footballing idol?
MW: Probably my dad. I don’t really have a player at national level that I’ve been drawn to.
YA: If there was any team you could play for, who would it be and why?
MW: Bayern Munich over in Germany, I’ve always supported them. I have a passion for German football, the players are great.
YA: What is next for you in terms of football?
MW: I’m pretty content with where I’m at with Moreland, so I’ll see that out for now. I’ll see what happens in terms of university next year and go from there.
● Youth Academy is an ongoing investigation into the Goulburn Valley’s footballing wonderkids, where we profile upcoming talents who capture the attention of the local footballing scene.
Liam's Last Word
Three things are certain in life; death, taxes and a Webster writing history with synthetic leather at their hands or feet. She may not yet be of legal age to drink, but has reeled off a litany of champagne moments already.
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