She thought she was coming for a mentoring session with Kangaroos coach, Scott Gowans, but quickly discovered there was much more to the meeting.

Currently playing for Melbourne University Women’s Football Club, Abbatangelo was left speechless when a graphic flashed up onto the computer advising her that she'd been picked up by North for the 2019 season.

“I’m so overwhelmed, I’m very excited,” Abbatangelo told North Media.

“I actually had no idea."

Abbatangelo had missed out on the 2017 Draft but had never gave up on wanting to play in the AFLW.

“I was a bit bummed about last year but I think I needed that VFL season under my belt, like one more and here I am,” she said.

Gowans is a former coach of the forward from her first days at Diamond Creek where in the teams run to the Grand Final she booting 15 goals from 15 games.