LAUREN Pearce has only been playing football for less than a year, but the basketballer-turned-Melbourne player is ready to make the most of her opportunity with the red and blue.

Last week, Pearce was drafted by Melbourne at pick No.25 – the club’s fourth selection overall. It was an experience she couldn’t believe eventuated. 

“I was hoping to be at Melbourne, so to hear my name read out for them – I couldn’t believe it, honestly,” she told Melbourne TV.

“I had expectations to get drafted, but where it didn’t matter for me.

“I’m so excited by this opportunity because at the start, I never thought I’d be in this position.”

Pearce said hard work and dedication had got her to this stage in her football career. 

“It was my first season at Darebin this season and I never really thought about playing it when I was younger,” she said.

“I was a basketballer for most of my life and a friend of mine got me down to a training session and from there, it’s just been an awesome experience and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“I play at Bulleen Boomers and I started there when I was six years old and I’ve been playing seniors up there and still playing there.”

Playing in the ruck, Pearce said she enjoys the physical contest and competing in the air.