Kristi pleased to be painting her new picture

By ZAC MILBANK

North Adelaide co-captain Kristi Harvey dared to dream she would be able to play Australian Football as an adult.

Growing up, the elite pathway initially wasn’t there so her attention turned to soccer, where she rose to become Adelaide United’s goal keeper at the peak of her powers.

Now she is sweeping up in defence playing in the Hostplus SANFLW League, where she will reach her 50-game milestone against Central at Prospect Oval on Saturday.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the 33-year-old said she was excited to have the opportunity to play in the first SANFLW game, for Norwood, in Round 1 of 2017.

The professional painter and decorator went on to play in the Redlegs’ inaugural premiership in the opening season, the start of a successful run for Harvey, who has played in three SANFLW flags at three clubs.

Next up was the opportunity play for Krissie Steen at South Adelaide, a move which culminated in winning the 2018 SANFLW premiership in the Panthers’ first year of competition.

In 2019, Harvey moved to Melbourne to captain Carlton in its inaugural VFLW season before she returned to join Steene at North Adelaide, where she cherished playing in the club’s undefeated 2020 campaign.

Having been there at the start of SANFLW and experiencing State League across the border, Harvey is in no doubt the Hostplus SANFLW League is now setting the standard as the best competition outside of the AFLW.