26/05/2026
This season weโve been lucky enough to welcome Martha Nacken, an exchange student from Cologne, Germany, to the Marong Football Netball Club, where sheโs giving the great game of Aussie Rules a crack!
Already making an impact in our U18 Girls side, Martha has been part of 5 wins and just the 1 loss so far this season, while also featuring in the best players twice.
A little pocket rocket with plenty of pace and a real hunger for the footy, Martha has quickly become a valued part of the group. Itโs been an amazing experience for her teammates, coaches and the wider club getting to know her and sharing what country footy is all about.
We thought weโd check in with Martha and ask her a few questions about football, Australia and life at Marong!
Q. How long have you been in Australia?
Almost 10 months
Q. What AFL team do you follow?
Essendon
Q. Do you enjoy playing footy?
Yes
Q. What was your first reaction to watching Aussie Rules?
I was so confused I didn't know what was going on at all.
Q. Whatโs been the biggest shock?
Probably the rules. I still don't understand all of them. I sometimes get a bit lost in the game.
Q. Whatโs your favourite part of the game so far?
I think just the way everyone works together as a team.
Q. Whatโs been your funniest footy moment at Marong?
My first training when I didn't know the rules yet and I kept throwing the ball.
Q. Whatโs harder, learning the rules or understanding Aussie slang?
I think the rules, I think I kinda got used to the slang.
Q. What surprised you most about Australia?
How far everything's apart and how nice the people are.
Q. Whatโs your favourite Australian food so far?
Milo.
Q. Whatโs one thing youโll definitely miss when you go home?
ALL OF MY FRIENDS
Q. Which teammate would survive best in Germany?
Allie as well because of Duolingo
Best wishes for the rest of the season, Martha. We hope you enjoy the rest of your time here at Marong and in Australia! โค๏ธ๐๐