For Taylor Ferguson, sport has always been part of life. Growing up in rural Australia, playing sport wasn’t just about competition—it was a way to connect.
"Like a lot of country kids, I played sport for the social aspect. It was how we caught up with friends and how our parents socialised. I played tennis and basketball in summer, netball in winter—while my brothers got to play footy. I had the choice of netball or hockey."
Taylor excelled across multiple sports, competing at state level in netball and tennis and taking on school competitions in swimming, cross country, and athletics. It wasn’t until high school that she played her first competitive footy game, and after graduating, she took on the challenge of WA Women’s Football League (WAWFL).
"My love of sport definitely comes from my parents. Mum was a gun swimmer and netballer, and Dad was elite on the footy field. After their playing years, they immersed themselves in community sport and gave us every opportunity to play."
One of Taylor’s most cherished moments in sport was playing for Swan Districts FC, with her entire family watching on from the hill. "Anytime my family makes it to a game, it means the world to me."
After spending two years travelling around Australia with her partner, Taylor was ready to return to state-level footy. She joined West Perth, a young side in only its second year in the competition.
"I realised pretty quickly that it was a young team with not a lot of leadership experience. I found my leadership style wasn’t as effective as I wanted it to be, so I signed up for the Play Like a Girl Empowered to Lead course. And I am so glad I did."
Initially, she expected to learn “tips and tricks” for becoming the ideal leader, but what she discovered was far more powerful.
"I learnt a lot about myself, which in turn, allowed me to discover how to be the best leader I could be. There’s no ‘one way’ to lead, the best version of you is the ideal leader."
The Empowered to Lead program pushed Taylor out of her comfort zone.
"The course put me in the spotlight and under the microscope. It made me more self-aware and accountable—not just in how I lead at football, but in how I communicate with my partner, my friends, my family, and at work."
One exercise in particular left a lasting impact.
"The final exercise—creating a poster—really shaped how I show up every day. I have it framed in my room where I see it daily. It forced me to look inward and helped me decide how to move forward with the knowledge I gained. It packaged the whole course up beautifully."
Taylor’s advice for anyone looking to grow as a leader?
"Find people who challenge and support you. I have a great friend I connected with through footy, and she’s been my sounding board for all things in life. It’s been a game-changer for my personal and professional development in AFL."
Her goal? To take everything she’s learned from playing into coaching and leadership beyond her playing years.
"Playing like a girl means changing the way people see sport. It means educating and empowering women in sport. It means building confident women who can do anything—on and off the field."
Even now, Taylor notices the reactions when people find out she plays AFL at a state level.
"They’re blown away, but to me, I’m just a person doing what I love at the level I want to play at."
That’s why initiatives like Play Like a Girl matter.
"They create spaces for women to build confidence, gain knowledge, and connect with others. It’s a place where you can share experiences, challenge different perspectives, and be challenged yourself—all in a respectful and empowering way."
Looking ahead, Taylor wants to see more women and girls encouraged to make mistakes without judgment, to challenge opinions without being labelled bossy or tough, and to speak up without being told they’re overreacting.
"I want every girl and woman to play like a girl and feel every ounce of pride doing it. To be excited to keep playing like a girl."
Play Like a Girl is so proud to have Taylor Ferguson as part of our community. Her passion for sport, her commitment to leadership, and her drive to keep learning and growing make her a true standout. The impact she’s making—on the field, in her club, and beyond—is exactly what playing like a girl is all about.
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