Celebrating Mayflower GM Daughter, Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner – AFLW's No.1 Draft Pick

We are proud of our team members and their achievements, and couldn’t be more excited for General Manager of Mayflower Edith Bendall and her daughter, Kristie-Lee.

Pictured: Drafted during the thrilling AFL event on December 18, Kristie-Lee, a key forward from the Western Jets, and daughter of Mayflower Edith Bendall GM Martha Weston is set to make waves in the upcoming season.

The 2023 AFLW National Draft was a triumph for the Western Bulldogs, who claimed Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner, a standout player from the Western Jets and a proud representative of the Mayflower lineage, as their top pick.

Selected as the No.1 overall pick at the 2023 AFLW National Draft on Monday, December 18th, Kirstie-Lee's achievement brought immense pride to her family, friends, and the entire Bulldogs community.

Kristie-Lee's journey to the top spot in the draft was marked by a family legacy deeply rooted in Bulldogs pride. The granddaughter of a Bulldogs banner-maker, she received her guernsey from none other than Doggies star Ellie Blackburn, amidst cheers and applause from her loved ones.

In this heartwarming video, you will see none other than our very own Martha Weston, General Manager at Mayflower Edith Bendall, and proud mother of Kristie-Lee, expressing her immense pride in her daughter's achievement. The joy and emotion are palpable, capturing a moment that signifies the culmination of hard work and dedication. Many of us watching on couldn’t hold back our tears watching on from television.

“It has been absolutely amazing for her, and we are just so proud,” says proud mum, Martha.

"It feels unreal," Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner remarked. "I don't know what to say. I'm just so thankful and grateful to be in the position I'm in."

Next year promises to be a whirlwind for Kristie-Lee, as she not only embarks on her AFLW journey but also completes her final year of high school. This dual commitment reflects her dedication and passion for both her education and the sport.

Coming from a family of devoted Bulldogs supporters, Kristie-Lee expressed her gratitude for being drafted to the team she grew up cheering for. "My nan and my great aunty, who is sadly no longer with us, were in a cheer squad for 30-odd years. They helped make the banners … it feels unreal."

"It means the world to me and my family, growing up and being a Doggies supporter. I couldn't ask for anything better," she said.

As we celebrate Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner's remarkable achievement, we look forward to witnessing her prowess on the field and the positive impact she'll undoubtedly make for the Western Bulldogs.

Pictured above: Martha's mother and Kristie-Lees grandmother, Ruth, is also a resident of Mayflower Edith Bendall and an avid doggies supporter. She couldn't believe her eyes when her granddaughter presented her with her jersey.