While she might be one of Broken Hill's most softly spoken footballers, Shelby Raven is a force to be reckoned with on the field.
With strong foot skills, elite endurance and speed, the 2022 Jan Corey Medallist has decided to take her talents to the next level.
Raven, 27, has signed with Central Districts in the SANFLW for the 2023 season after she was approached to attend a trial once the Broken Hill season had finished.
"Obviously it's a big deal, I've lived here all my life … but I thought I may as well give it a go," Raven said.
"I don't have anything to hold me back."
'A phenomenal player'
Raven's former coach Sheldon Hall said she had the tools to play well at SANFLW level.
"She's got one of the biggest leaps in the [Broken Hill] comp and has great foot skills along with elite endurance and speed," Hall said.
He said if she worked hard she could be able to get into an AFLW team.
Raven said now was the right time to "give it a crack".
"I've had a fair few people say to me why don't you go down and try that next level," she said.
"Like I sort of considered it, but I never really had the confidence to go and try out."
Taking the leap
Raven's new housemate, Hannah Muscat, made her debut at SANFL level for North Adelaide this year.
"Although we'll be playing against each other at some point, it will be good to have someone down there playing the sport," Raven said.
A number of women who played in Broken Hill have gone onto to play in the AFLW, including Wests player Tarnee Tester, Norths player Jasmine Simmons and Souths player Meg Ryan.
Raven is determined to forge her own path.
"Obviously I'm trying to do my own thing and I thought I may as well give it a go and see where it leads me and I might get to that level they're at one day … but yeah we'll see," she said.
