Former AFLW player wants to give crooks the heave-ho, so joins WA Police

Tahnee Tester was all smiles at training with the Fremantle Dockers.  (Supplied: Fremantle Dockers )

In the space of 18 months, Broken Hill's first AFLW footballer, Tarnee Tester, went from her debut to being delisted.

A terrible run of injuries, including a two meniscus tears, left her dreams of a promising football career in tatters.

"Unfortunately, I probably got back into training a bit too quick … so, I got back in and snapped a goal and tore it even further," Ms Tester said.

After four games in 2020 and none this season, she was delisted by her second club, Fremantle.

The 28-year-old was forced to find her feet quickly after being cut while living in Perth, where she was more than 2,800 kilometres from her hometown and support network. 

Barkindji woman Tarnee Tester acknowledging her heritage at a smoking ceremony at the Fremantle Dockers.  (Supplied: Fremantle Dockers)

One door closes, another opens

But for the girl born and raised in the Silver City, finding a positive outcome from a negative experience has never been an issue — she just quickly shifts her attention to another goal.

"One to be a police officer and the second to play AFL."

Tarnee Tester says she has always wanted to be a police detective. (Supplied: Tarnee Tester)

Having accomplished her second dream, Ms Tester set about working towards her first.

"I've been a police cadet … and, in the last couple of months, I've been recognised for the work I do and my portfolio got put up for police recruiting," she said.

The Barkindji woman now has an anxious wait ahead to see if she has been accepted into West Australia's police academy. 

"I've always said I wanted to be a detective … but I'm definitely just happy to be a general duty officer," Ms Tester said.

Despite living away from home for the past five years, she maintains her close ties to the Broken Hill community. 

Ms Tester hopes she is the first of many female footballers to have grown up in the small mining town.

Tarnee Tester was selected pick 56 for the West Coast Eagles in the 2019 AFLW draft.  (Supplied: West Coast Eagles)

"My goal to be the first AFLW player [from] Broken Hill and to get Broken Hill on the map … because there's so much talent out here with the young girls," she said.

While her sporting dreams may have been dashed due to injuries, the crafty small forward is not ruling out a comeback if policing doesn't work out. 

"I certainly feel like I'm not finished with that level. So, who knows, I might make a comeback yet," Ms Tester said.