Adelaide Rising Star nominee Kiera Mueller says “being confident” on and off the field has helped her grow into a consistent top-level contributor in 2023.
The 20-year-old entered this campaign with just five appearances under her belt but has made the half-back flank her own this season, featuring in all seven of Adelaide’s matches.
Showcasing her classy skills and composure, Mueller has averaged 9.9 disposals, 2.3 marks and 151.7 metres gained per match, and improved on all major statistical categories from her debut season.
The past fortnight has been particularly promising for the Sturt product, having gathered a career-high 12 disposals in matches against Naarm and the Western Bulldogs, and earning a Rising Star nomination for Round Seven.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Mueller said it was “very surreal” to be recognised as a Rising Star nominee.
“It’s a very, very surreal feeling (to be a Rising Star nominee), it’s something I am extremely grateful for and certainly something I wasn’t expecting,” Mueller said.
“(When I found out) I was just at work and it honestly shocked me, when I got the call I thought to myself ‘me, are you sure?’
“But I am really happy to have got the nomination and can’t thank my teammates and the coaches enough for all the help they’ve given me.”
Following the retirement of three-time premiership defender Marijana Rajcic, a permanent position in Adelaide’s backline became available, and over the pre-season Mueller was determined to make it her own.
She revealed the change in mindset over the pre-season that led to her growth, both on and off the field.
“For me it has all been about confidence, it was something I was lacking a bit in my game last year, so I made it a real focus over the pre-season,” Mueller said.
“It’s the same for me as a person as well, I’ve come out of my shell a lot more this year and I feel having that confidence in myself has resulted in me playing better footy.
“On the field I love being able to drive our attack from the backline, and I am feeling more comfortable and assured in my skills each and every week.”
Mueller and the Crows face another tough test this weekend, as they travel to Brisbane to face Season Seven’s grand finalists.
She said she could not wait for the challenge.
“Everyone is really excited to get up to Brisbane, it’s another great opportunity to test ourselves leading into the finals,” Mueller said.
“It will be a very contested game, it always is against Brisbane, we played them in a trial match against them prior to the season and it was a very high-level contest.
“We are expecting a tough battle from start-to-finish.”
Adelaide faces Brisbane at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday, with the first bounce at 2.35pm (ACDT).
