Video Shout-Out from Lauren Spark

Lauren Spark began playing Australian Rules Football in 2012 after she was introduced to the Melbourne University Women's Football Club by a work colleague. Prior to AFL Lauren played competitive Beach Volleyball, and represented her country in Asia.

After joining Melbourne Uni, Lauren enjoyed a great first season, winning the VWFL Debbie Lee Medal (best first year player)

In 2013 and 2014, Lauren was drafted by The Western Bulldogs, to play in the once a year exhibition games against Melbourne Demons.

2015 saw Lauren Looking for a sea change and decided to pack her bags (and football boots) and head to London. She joined the first ever Women's AFL London based league and joined the club, Wimbledon Hawks. Whilst living abroad she started the very first Junior AFL club (The Clapham Cubs) and took on an assistant coaching role with the Great Britain Swans (national afl women's team) 

In 2016, the AFL announced they would be starting an offical AFL women's league. Lauren nominated whilst still in London and was excited when her name was read out at pick 76 overall, to the Western Bulldogs. 

Over the past few, Lauren has been juggling part time work as a School Teacher in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs, as well as training and playing in the AFLW. She has also been heavily involved with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, where she is an ambassador of the Daughters of the West women’s health and wellbeing program.
Her team enjoyed great success in 2018 season and were crowned the Premiers of the second AFLW.

Lauren has retired from playing in 2021 and is currently the Player Development Manager at Essendon Football Club.