CAMBRIDGE McCormick doesn't want to read too much into it, but within 18 months the Port Macquarie Magpies star could be running around in a Gold Coast Suns jersey.
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The 20-year-old has earned a call-up into the Suns' team for Saturday afternoon's QW match against the Brisbane Lions in Brisbane.
While an AFLW contract is the dream sometime down the track, the talented youngster has been down a similar path before.
McCormick grew up on the Sunshine Coast and trialled with the Lions three years ago before she moved to Port Macquarie.
When faced with a decision on whether to study physiotherapy at university or pursue a footy career, studying won out.
"I made the right decision to move to Port Macquarie," McCormick said.
"I wouldn't change it for the world, but it's awesome I've been able to get the opportunity with the Suns and I'm looking forward to it."
Her selection on the interchange bench for the Gold Coast is an indication some clubs see the AFL North Coast women's competition as a breeding ground for potential top-line players.
"Being down in Port Macquarie we don't necessarily have the opportunities that I had back when I was living in Brisbane," she said.
"But it's super exciting to have someone from the North Coast head up to play with an AFLW squad who might be at that standard."
But it's super exciting to have someone from the North Coast head up to play with an AFLW squad who might be at that standard.
- Cambridge McCormick
While McCormick feels more at home in the ruck, she admitted she had added a few more strings to her bow and attributed that to Magpies coach Mel Hunt.
"I have been able to develop into a player that can be more dangerous in different positions," she said.
"When I was playing in Brisbane I was a ruckman and that was my role, but in Port and with the Magpies I've been more than just a ruckman.
"I've been able to sometimes rove, sometimes jump in the forward line occasionally and in the backline every now and then."
It could be argued her all-round ability had helped fast-track her into the Suns' sights although she had been in contact with current Gold Coast coach David Lake.
If McCormick impresses enough people up against some of the Lions' regular AFLW stars this weekend, she could earn a spot in the Suns squad for their inaugural season in 2020.
"It's going to be pretty challenging going up against a lot of girls who have played AFLW for a few seasons from the Brisbane Lions," she said.
"Maybe one day I can be an AFLW player."
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