It is a rare feat for an athlete to play professionally in two completely different sporting codes, but Caitie Tipping has shown the athleticism and skillset to give herself the opportunity.
Signing with Geelong last month, Tipping is set to join the Cats AFLW list and will wear the Number Four in the 2025 season.
Prior to making the decision to try Australian Rules Footballer, the 24 year old represented Australia as a professional volleyballer while also spending time in Sweden and the USA.
Tipping provided insight into her journey, touching on what inspired her to pursue a career in the AFLW.
"It was hard to walk away from, but I think I achieved everything that I wanted to achieve in my time with volleyball," Tipping said.
"It wasn't like I was leaving it short at all. I went to college, I played professionally, made the Australian team, so I don't think I could ever not be proud of my journey.
"I think sport is a funny one, you can have very early success or you can never have success at all.
"Athletes are always striving for what is next, so I think footy gives me that opportunity to keep striving for what is left out there."
There were a number of clubs vying for Tipping's signature as she made the switch to football, eventually choosing to sign with Geelong in November.
With the 2025 VFLW season and AFLW pre-season coming up in the new year, the 24 year old will have the chance to hone her skills prior to the commencement of the 2025 AFLW season.
Tipping discussed her decision to join the Cats, opening up on her early meetings with some key figures as she weighed up her options.
"Honestly I am not too sure how many clubs were interested, but I did visit about five," Tipping said.
"All the clubs were brilliant in their own way, it is nothing like I have ever seen before. There was just something at Geelong that I connected with, which made me feel drawn to them. Perhaps it was just the culture and the people, it was an easy pick in the end.
"We sat down with the head coach Dan and Ben the list manager. I had my partner with me and it was probably the funniest conversation I have ever had, it felt like I wasn't talking to a coach or list manager.
"It didn't make me feel nervous at all, so that definitely helps in terms of getting to know everyone easily."
