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Jasmine Anderson is the first mother to be signed to Women's AFL.

For every little girl who never thought she’d get the opportunity to play AFL, and for every mum who thinks she missed her chance to play sport on the big stage: Meet Jasmine Anderson.

The 25-year old was signed as a rookie by the Adelaide Crows this week, and is the first woman to sign on to juggle elite football with raising a child.

Mum to 15-month-old Isaac and full-time teaching student, Jasmine says this is a huge milestone for women in sport.

“For women to have opportunities like this is unbelievable.” she says.

“It’s just awesome that we finally have the chance to play at an elite level and show people what we’re really made of.”

Listen: It’s fierce and tough as guts. The Mamamia Out Loud team are EXCITED about women’s footy. Post continues below. 

When the women’s league was announced, Jasmine made the switch from professional soccer. It was a last minute decision, encouraged by her mum who told her, “what have you got to lose?”

As a young girl, Jasmine never dreamed she would get this opportunity, she thought footy for women would always be played at a grassroots level. But she didn’t let that stop her from playing the game.

“Growing up with five brothers, I was a bit of a tomboy. Kicking the footy around was a normal thing for me,” she says.

“I played alongside my brothers in juniors, I was the only girl at one stage. I was up there with the boys, I ended up coming out with Best and Fairest, and my brothers weren’t too impressed with that!”

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After having a child, Jasmine thought that would be the end of it, that she’d never be able to play any sport at an elite level. But with a support system in place, Jasmine is making it happen.

“I hope I’m a good role model for other mothers out there. I hope they know that after having a kid they can go further as well. I would love for other mothers to see what I’m doing and know it’s possible.”

Jasmine with her son Isaac. Image: AFLNT
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With seven siblings, plus her mum and partner, Jasmine says she already has her babysitters lined up.

“Isaac goes to day-care three days a week and that’s when I get my studying done. Then I can have the other two days and the weekend with him, and spend as much time with him as I can.”

Jasmine says the hardest part will be being away from Isaac, “I always miss him when I’m training or studying.”

But the experience she has ahead of her will make it all worth it.

“I’m excited about getting on that field for the first time," she says.

And the impressive ratings for first game of women's AFL played last weekend proved that Australia is excited too.

These women are out to show that footy isn't just for the blokes. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Jasmine will be the third in her family to play AFL. Her younger brother Jed plays for North Melbourne and has two boys of his own, so when she got signed, he called her up to offer some advice.

“He told me nothing gets in the way. If you train hard and juggle everything, it all falls into place.”

Jed also told her: “Always make that time with your family, because family always comes first.”

Although home is in the Northern Territory, Jasmine won’t have to relocate to Adelaide. The Crows' Assistant Coach Andrew Hodge is running a training squad for the women in Darwin.

Jasmine with her new team mate. Image: AFLNT
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Jasmine says being among such driven sportswomen has been a fantastic experience.

“They’re so supportive and really encouraging. They push you harder and tell you to keep aiming for your goals,” she says.

But Jasmine's biggest fan will always be her son Isaac.

“He already is, he won’t leave me alone!” she laughs.

“He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Feature image supplied by AFLNT.

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