Girl Talk with Gladesville Ravens player Ashley Hulme

1) Your name and occupation?
Ashley Hulme, Government employee
2) Your favoured playing position?
Centre Midfield
3) What was your first junior club?
Lidcombe Waratahs
4) What made you take up football?
My grandfather played for Australia back in his day, and he would always take me to the park and kick the ball with me. I guess I got the buzz for soccer from him.
5) Who has been your most positive influence on your football career?
I have a few, but I can?t choose 1, or here is 3. My best friend Naj, we have always played together, and if she wasn?t playing, I don?t know if I could continue playing.  My previous coach from Granville Magpies, Lal Byers.
He taught me a lot about the game, and always pushed me when I needed it. Without his help I probably wouldn?t be playing, he took me to training and games every week for years. Thanks Lal! The Ravens Football club have been extremely influential on my ability to play soccer.
With great coaching staff, Wadey, and great management, they have helped me develop my skills and knowledge to a more mature level.
6) Which footballer do you admire most?
Honestly, I do not really ?admire? any famous footballers. I do look at some players in super/premier league, and admire the way they play and try to play up to their standard, especially when I?m marking them on the park. Example would have to be ?Frenchie? from Southern Branch, she just moves so well on the ball and is a nightmare to mark.
7) Do you have any match day superstitions (lucky socks, left shoe before right, etc)?
I always say ?a good juggle means a good game?. So during warm up, if I can?t get over 30+ juggles, then I?m worried.
8) If you could have a dinner party with any three famous people who would they be?
Why? George Bush ? There are so many questions I would like to know in regards to the war.
Pink – I?m not a huge fan, but I would love to see her argue with George Bush, so worth it!
Kevin Rudd ? who wouldn?t want to know all about the juicy international gossip?
9) What song best describes your approach to football?
On the way to training or a game I am normally playing ?talk like that? by the Presets. Has nothing to do with soccer but it pumps me up.

10) Is there a particular pre game meal you like to eat?
Yes I get up every Sunday morning and cook a large bowl of pasta with cheese, it?s my specialty.
11) What is your favourite football memory?
Going overseas with Granville Magpies to play in the South Pacific Games in Fiji. Was a great experience playing against other countries teams. I had never been overseas, so it was very exciting.
-By Ross Anderson