In recent weeks the Casey Demons VFLW side has seen a new name in defence with the debut of Gemma Proy.

Gemma only started playing football at 19 years of age and saw it as an opportunity to do something new after years of playing netball and trampolining.

Proy had a few friends that played for Edithvale Aspendale and thought she would give it a go, what is that worst that can happen?

Unfortunately, Proy had her father pass away in 2017, this of course was a tough time for Gemma, but she decided it would be best to carry on his legacy with her for the rest of her life but particularly when on the football field.

To this day, Gemma looks to dedicate every debut she has in her footballing career to her late father, also personally dedicating the first games of every new season to him, a sign that she has him with her along every step of the journey.

Gemma is a product of the Casey VFLW development program, bringing players through from trail stages with the hope of improving them to be VFLW standard.

Proy, wasn’t even going to trail for the Demons, until her local coach at Edithvale Aspendale football club suggested herself and few other players give it a go.

It wasn’t all a smooth ride; Gemma was sick for the first trail and had her car break down for the second trail and slowly felt like the opportunity to play VFLW football wouldn’t come about.

When that opportunity did eventually arise, Gemma took the moment with both hands and hasn’t looked back since.

“I’m so grateful they gave me the opportunity to be on the development list” Gemma said to Casey Media

“They’ve challenged me in many ways as a person and a player and I’ve felt I’ve developed in both”.

“I love the squad; everyone was so welcoming, and I was just amazed with how everyone just wants the best for everyone else”.

Proy also reflected on the feeling and culture at the club, she also spoke on the atmosphere around the team, mentioning that it is incredible and that it is hard to be down when you are around the team.

With most players, it isn’t always a straightforward route to make it onto any VFLW list and Gemma has had a fair share of injuries and setbacks herself.

Covid was the major setback for Gemma but the team at Casey significantly helped with the rehab process and were able to get Gemma back out on the field in a better condition than before.

“Everyone has life and struggles going on in the background, but Casey at least helped me get through some tough times”.

Concreate pourer by day, football player by night and weekend, it is a rough and tough schedule that many VFLW players must face, balancing work, life, and football commitments.

“It can be a struggle at times given the physicality of the job, then backing it up with football”.

“My boss is amazing and knows how much I love my footy, it’s important for me that he lets me off at certain times to make sure I can get to football on time, and I couldn’t thank him more” Proy said to Casey Media.

Round 9 against North Melbourne was the first taste Gemma got of VFLW football when she was announced to make her debut.

It was an impressive display, dominating the backline, showing no nerves on the ball, and bringing a sense of composure and skill to the defensive group.

A wonderful performance was capped off when Gemma was announced as the Trademark player of the week, and it was the perfect way for her to round off a dream debut.

“I loved it, I just loving being around everyone at the club, I was extremely excited and a tad nervous, but the girls helped me out there to just play my natural game”.

When it comes to dreams and aspirations with football, the sky is the limit for Gemma, she just wants to play footy for the love of the game and see what happens with it all.

A calm, cool, collected, and grounded person on and off the field.

We are sure we will see plenty of Gemma Proy for the remaining four rounds of this season and into the future as she is an incredible talent and message to all aspiring young footballers out there that hard work and commitment does pay off.

Gemma also answered some get to know you questions:

Your favourite cheat day meal?

I love Mexican food but also Zambreros, I’m so sad they closed at Southland.

Your dream holiday destination?

Anywhere tropical

Does tomato sauce belong in the cupboard of the fridge?

Cupboard

Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry?

I’m actually a caramel person.

What did you want to do when you grew up as a kid?

I wanted to be a zoologist or a mascot.