The apple doesn’t fall far from the Egan family tree.
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Already filled with an abundance of sporting pedigree, the Egans are excited to see their youngest and newest athlete burst onto the national stage.
Holly Egan is the daughter of former world champion BMX rider Leigh Egan and sister of Richmond footballer Grace Egan, but the 18-year-old is ready to carve out her own name as a future star of the AFLW.
Having captained the Murray Bushrangers in the Coates Talent League Girls this year, Egan emerged as one of the best junior footballers in the country.
Her domination across the Bushies’ half-back line saw Egan claim the club’s best-and-fairest award and selection in Vic Country’s under-18 side.
Egan’s sporting prowess is thanks to her lineage and time spent code-hopping as a junior, playing netball and basketball alongside footy — not to mention hours upon hours dedicated to fitness and finesse.
Now in her draft year, Egan said her peek into the world of professional football in 2024 had made her desperate for more.
“I just want to be drafted and an AFLW player,” Egan said.
“I got selected for Vic Country and got to experience some cool opportunities.
“It has been a pretty good year, but hopefully there is more to come and I can get drafted.
“I will be grateful for any opportunity.”
Unfortunately, there is no sister-sister draft system in the AFLW, so there is no guarantee that Holly will play alongside Grace in 2025.
However, she isn’t fazed about where she ends up, as long as it is on an AFLW list.
Egan’s parents — having recently sold their Leading Edge Cycles business — have said they may follow the young gun if she gets drafted interstate to help provide support.
Egan said Leigh had been an endless resource for advice on what it takes to be a professional athlete.
“He always has stuff to say,” she laughed.
“But he is really good.
“Dad has played a big role in my career.
“He has always pushed me to try and reach my potential.
“He would always kick the footy with me, watch vision with me, there is not a day go by when he doesn’t help me.”
Having gained plenty of experience playing at Shepparton’s colosseum — Deakin Reserve — with the Bushies, Egan was excited to feature on some of Australia’s biggest stages earlier this year.
Egan was an integral part of Vic Country’s backline at the national championships, collecting 20 disposals against Queensland, 14 against Western Australia and 12 touches and five tackles against Vic Metro at Marvel Stadium.
On Monday, the 18-year-old put her best foot forward at the AFLW National Draft Combine in Melbourne.
Egan’s fast twitch fibres were on display as she finished tied-eighth in the standing vertical jump challenge with a 48cm effort.
Meanwhile, in the running vertical jump, Egan came fifth after clearing 62cm.
It now seems Egan is a hop, skip and a jump away from the highest level, but what position can she impact the game best at?
“I think I am a pretty versatile player,” she said.
“Wherever you put me, I think I can adjust to the situations and the different positions.
“I like to mark the ball a lot and I try to play a faster game, which is a good skill of mine.
“I like to model my game off Eilish Sheerin; she is a good backline player and powerful, shows her skills well — I look up to her.”
Coincidentally, Sheerin is a teammate of Grace at Tigerland, as the football gods seem to want Holly draped in yellow and black come November.
Aside from football, Egan is considering studying nursing once she finishes up her schooling, although she will look to give herself one year to get settled as a full-time footballer should she get drafted.
Egan’s pathway to the national draft combine hasn’t been made easy, with her Bushrangers side struggling to find form or consistency in 2024.
As captain, Egan knew she had to remain a stoic and confident leader for her impressionable teammates.
However, the hard yards spent toiling away through winter were worth it as Egan and her Bushies secured their first win of the season against Bendigo in the final round.
“As the captain, I thought I had to step up for the girls and reassure them throughout the year,” she said.
“Always telling them that I am here to talk with them if they need to confide in me about anything.
“It was still a good year, coming away with the win in the end was really good.
“It was a bit sad because it was my last game, but it was good to finish off with a win with all the girls.”
Egan’s ability to play scintillating football week-in week-out gave the young gun confidence in her game, a trait that she knows recruiters desire.
Although she is Shepparton’s greatest hope to get drafted into the AFLW this November, Egan understands there are no guarantees in football.
What Egan can put her faith behind is the mountain of work and dedication to her craft she has put in to get herself to this position.
“I trained with Richmond not long ago,” she said.
“I had the opportunity as I was there (for Grace), so they asked if I wanted to.
“That was such a cool experience as well; everything is so disciplined.
“You are there to train — yeah you have a laugh every now and then — it was a good experience to see the highest level of women’s football.”
Egans, in general, don’t need more fuel to drive them to success in the sporting arena.
However, Holly’s glimpses into the world of professional sport through her sister at Punt Road and her dad as a world champion rider, are sure to inspire Shepparton’s next football export to achieve great things and carve her own name into the history books.
Cadet Sports Journalist