WNBL games record holder Jess Bibby believes rival female sports leagues are being naive if they dismiss the women's AFL competition as a serious threat, adamant youngsters will be tempted by the opportunity.
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The former Canberra Capitals skipper, who retired from basketball last year, confirmed she is keen to explore the possibility of playing the game she lived and breathed growing up in Melbourne.
The 37-year-old said that had women's AFL been an option a decade ago, she would have had a "ginormous decision" to make and might not have broken records and represented her country in basketball.
Although a major back injury nearly cut short her basketball career she is confident she can handle the physicality of AFL.
She has signed up to a Greater Western Sydney Giants "come and try" day, and is likely to nominate for a state draft later this year.
With eight teams to compete in the league's first year Bibby has no doubt clubs will look to pry talent from other sports to fill lists.
Already Canberra United W-League players Grace Gill and Jenna McCormick, former Capital Kristin Veal and current Australian Opal Erin Phillips have shown interest in playing AFL.
A photo posted by Jessica Bibby (@bibbyj11) on Jun 14, 2016 at 11:02pm PDT
"I think other sports do need to look out," Bibby said.
"I don't think the sports are anticipating [a player exodus], but I think they're being a bit naive in thinking it won't affect their sport.
"The attractive package the AFL is offering is appealing. To be able to spend three months as a full-time athlete, for young girls without a mortgage or family it appeals to them.
"When the state drafts are on there's a fair chance I'll chuck my name in just to see what might occur and if someone was interested, I'd be interested.
"Basketball skills translate well to Aussie rules and teams are probably going to be looking outside the box for players on their list.
"Whether a 37-year-old is too far outside that, I don't know, but I'd love to spend my summer having a crack at the pre-season."
Bibby is a mad Carlton fan and her grandfather, Frank, was Fitzroy president in the 1970s and recruited household names Robert Walls and Bernie Quinlan.
"My earliest memories of being in a Carlton duffle coat and beanie going to the footy," Bibby said.
"My grandpa wanted to take Fitzroy to Sydney initially because he knew they wouldn't survive.
"Ten years ago [choosing between basketball and Aussie rules] would have been a massive decision and especially if similar money was being thrown around, I would have a ginormous decision because that [football] is what I grew up on.
"The opportunities for female athletes at the moment are incredible and I'm super jealous, it's exciting for those who want to play sport for a living.
"If the footy thing doesn't come through I'll choose a Canberra team and play some cricket over the summer.'
"The cream of the crop are going to be supremely skilled and elite, there might be a group that potentially aren't at that level, that's why clubs might be prepared to look outside the box," Bibby said.
"I've heard some whispers Greater Western Sydney know I'm interested.
"Someone who's played at the elite level, it's appealing for a team marketing wise.
"It would be appealing if people are aware I'm as fit as I've ever been and deliberately stayed in good nick in case something occurs."
