The Real YouQ
Meet Brisbane Lions AFLW premiership hero Natalie Grider
"Every single girl in the squad continues to amaze me, whether by juggling their full-time careers outside of the 25-hour training weeks, having babies and returning to sport, or just being role models for the younger players and the future generation."
Welcome to The Real YouQ, the latest Contact Q&A series offering a glimpse into the real lives of members of the UQ community – from alumni to students and staff.
In this edition, we catch up with UQ alum and Brisbane Lions AFLW star Natalie Grider (Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences (Honours) ’22), fresh off the back of celebrating the club’s second AFLW premiership last month.
The Lions’ vice-captain has been a key figure in Brisbane’s defensive line-up since her AFLW debut in 2019, and her consistency and prolific ball use has been rewarded with back-to-back All-Australian selection in 2021 and 2022.
At just 23 years of age, Grider is already a 2-time premiership player, having lifted the cup in 2021 after the Lions defeated Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, and most recently at Princes Park in Melbourne, when the Lions came from behind to defeat North Melbourne in front of 12,616 fans.
But who is Grider off the footy field? And what has she been up to since the celebrations have died down?
Keep scrolling to find out.
What is your favourite UQ memory?
This is probably a cliché, but looking back on my journey at university, I found that graduation night was probably my favourite memory of all. It really symbolised the end of the study grind, hard work, late nights and stress-filled days. I got to spend the evening with my family and reflect on my last 5 years of study. In saying that, there are plenty of memories from my time at UQ that I will cherish.
Is there a place you feel most connected to on campus and why?
I thoroughly enjoyed spending time outdoors on campus. Between classes, I'd always look for a free table somewhere by the lake or near the trees to catch up on study and classes.
Looking back to the day you first set foot on campus, is there anything you wish to tell that person now?
Don’t be afraid to make friends. My first few years at university were made so much easier with the friendship group I was lucky enough to have. However, it all started in the first few weeks of classes. I know it can be daunting to put yourself out there – particularly when you may not know anyone – but it’s worth it in the long run. The friendships you make will not only help you with your studies, but they will make the whole experience so much more enjoyable.
What’s the one fact that people wouldn’t know about you?
I’m extremely clumsy and that has resulted in me needing a total of 16 stitches in the last 2 years on 3 separate occasions – and only one of them was football related!
Is there a skill you wish you had learnt, or one that you’re currently trying to master?
Having done a fair bit of travel recently, I’m always so amazed when people are bilingual. I studied French for a few years in high school, and I wish I paid more attention in class. Becoming fluent in French is a goal of mine over the next few years.
What are 3 things you can’t live without?
A pair of runners so I can exercise, my UE boom speaker, and whatever book I'm reading at the time.
What are you currently reading?
I’ve just finished The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and I’m currently reading 75 Hard: A Tactical Guide To Winning The War With Yourself, so I can give the tips a go when I get back from my holiday.
Who are your real-life heroes?
Definitely my mum. She never fails to show me the lighter side of any situation. Her attitude to life is so simple and constantly reminds me that no matter how big my problems or worries may seem, nothing is too much. She also manages to make friends in every setting she puts herself in, and I think that's helped me realise you need to put yourself out there to get the most out of any situation.
I’m also going to say my teammates at the Lions. Every single girl in the squad continues to amaze me, whether by juggling their full-time careers outside of the 25-hour training weeks, having babies and returning to sport, or just being role models for the younger players and the future generation. They are an incredibly powerful group of women who are all connected by doing something they love.
How have you been celebrating the 2023 premiership, and how are you unwinding in the off-season?
I spent most of every day in the few weeks after the grand final with all the girls, which was incredible. We got to enjoy each other’s company and reflect on the season and the win. Once the celebrations died down, I ventured off overseas with 3 of my teammates to Nepal, which is where I am now, completing volunteer work at one of the local hospitals and immersing ourselves in the culture as we stay with a host family.
What are some personal goals for the 2024 season?
Going back-to-back as AFLW premiers would be the number-one goal. But given how difficult that is, I think it's important to set some smaller-scale goals as well. The biggest thing for me is getting my body fit and overcoming some injury niggles so I can play some good footy for my team. I also want to improve my time-management and organisation skills as I return to university full time to study a Bachelor of Midwifery. I understand the challenges with juggling work, study and my football career.
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