Four years ago, Tamara Miller was searching for something that was just for her.
As a single mum navigating life after the breakdown of her marriage, she was looking for an outlet, a way to stay active, and an opportunity to build new connections. What she found was football and, unexpectedly, a whole new version of herself.
“I wanted something that would give me an outlet, help me stay fit and allow me to build new connections,” Tamara says.
She joined an AFL QuickKick program, designed to teach the basics of the game. What started as a six week introduction quickly became something much bigger.
“When the six weeks came to an end, I realised I wanted more and needed more.”
That decision led her to AFL Masters football and eventually to Williamstown Superrules Football Club, where she says she found her football home.
Since then, her journey has continued to grow. Tamara has represented both Vic Country and Vic Metro at National AFL Masters Carnivals and in 2025 proudly wore the Vic Metro jumper as Vice Captain.
“It reflects how far this journey has taken me, both on and off the field.”
For Tamara, football became much more than a sport.
“What began as a way to stay active quickly became something much more meaningful,” she says. “Sport gave me structure, purpose and a sense of belonging at a time when my life felt uncertain.”
It also gave her the opportunity to rediscover her confidence and learn what she was capable of.
“Sport has taught me to back myself, embrace resilience and understand the power of teamwork.”
One of her most treasured memories has nothing to do with winning games or representative honours.
Instead, it came from hearing a voice on the sidelines.
“During one particular game, I heard my son call out, ‘Go number 20, that’s my mum.’”
“That moment will stay with me forever.”
For Tamara, it was a reminder that her journey was creating impact beyond herself.
“He was proud of me. Through football, I’m showing him that women are strong, capable and deserving of space on the field and beyond.”
Tamara has never viewed leadership as something defined by a title.
Whether supporting teammates, volunteering as her son’s Under 9 Team Manager, or stepping into representative football leadership roles, she believes leadership begins with service.
“Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about service, empathy and empowering others to contribute.”
That mindset was one of the reasons she applied for Play Like a Girl Australia’s Empowered to Lead program.
After leading her team at the 2025 National AFL Masters Carnival, Tamara recognised there were areas where she wanted to grow.
“I knew my confidence and self worth needed work,” she says.
Rather than viewing the experience as a setback, she saw it as an opportunity.
“I wanted to do better, be better, and learn how to lead in a way that felt authentic to me.”
Heading into Empowered to Lead, Tamara hoped to rebuild her confidence and gain practical leadership skills.
What she experienced went far deeper.
“The program exceeded my expectations,” she says. “It helped me understand myself better, reframe self doubt and recognise that the qualities I once questioned are actually strengths.”
One moment in particular changed everything.
“At the beginning of the program, I felt completely out of my depth being surrounded by so many incredible women.”
She questioned whether she belonged.
Then came the Week 3 huddle.
“Something clicked,” she says. “I realised I wasn’t there by accident. I belonged just as much as anyone else.”
That shift allowed her to fully embrace the experience and step confidently into her own leadership journey.
One of the most powerful concepts Tamara took from the program was understanding the difference between operating above the line and below the line.
“Below the line, I often found myself reacting from a place of self doubt, taking things personally, withdrawing or questioning my worth.”
Today, she approaches challenges differently.
During a recent difficult conversation, she consciously applied the tools she had learned.
“Instead of becoming defensive or shutting down, I paused, acknowledged my emotions and responded with curiosity and clarity.”
The outcome was transformative.
“By staying above the line, I was able to communicate calmly, listen openly and respond with intention rather than emotion.”
More importantly, it reinforced something she had been working towards throughout the program.
“It strengthened my confidence in my ability to lead with self awareness and purpose.”
Looking ahead, Tamara is committed to continuing her growth as a leader, teammate and role model.
“Leadership is a journey, not a destination,” she says.
She wants to continue stepping into opportunities that challenge her, while creating environments where others feel supported to do the same.
She is also passionate about creating greater opportunities for women and girls in sport.
“Representation matters,” she says. “Seeing women in leadership roles inspires others to believe they can step into those spaces too.”
For Tamara, creating a future where confidence, capability and opportunity are not limited by gender is something worth striving for.
For Tamara, the meaning behind Play Like a Girl is deeply connected to courage and possibility.
“To me, Play Like a Girl means leading with courage, confidence and authenticity.”
“It’s about embracing your strengths, challenging stereotypes and showing that determination, skill and resilience aren’t defined by gender.”
Most importantly, it is about lifting others as you rise.
“Playing like a girl means stepping up, lifting others as you rise, and inspiring the next generation to know they belong on the field and in leadership just as much as anyone else.”
Tamara’s story is proof that it is never too late to start something new, back yourself, and discover strengths you never knew you had. Through football, leadership and community, she continues to show what is possible when women are given the confidence to step forward and lead in their own way.
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