Hawthorn forward Greta Bodey will experience a sense of nostalgia when she travels to pre-season camp in Cairns next week.

The 27-year-old grew up playing soccer but a chance placement in Cairns saw her try her hand at Aussie Rules.

The moment came about in 2019 when Bodey was studying to be a physiotherapist, turning to the Cairns Saints to try something new.

Four years later, the premiership player is going back to where it all began when she travels to the region as part of Hawthorn’s pre-season camp next week. 

Bodey couldn’t be more excited to rekindle some old relationships.

“I lived in Cairns for six months and I’ve made some really good close friends there so I can’t wait to go back and reconnect,” she said.

“I’m really excited to go back to the club up there and hopefully see some of my old teammates up there.”

After playing 42 games for Brisbane since debuting in 2020, Bodey now has a host of new teammates at the Hawks to familiarise herself with. 

She spoke glowingly of Kaitlyn Ashmore and Tahlia Fellows, who she described as two players who have really taken her under their wing.

“We do a bit of pilates together so it’s been good to get to know them outside of footy,” Bodey said.

“Some of the young kids like Richo (Jenna Richardson) and Flem (Jasmine Fleming) have been great too.”

Bodey’s move to Melbourne was also made easier by having fellow Brisbane premiership player Emily Bates by her side.

“It would’ve been pretty daunting to do it (move to Melbourne) by myself so it’s good to be able to also lean on in the same situation as me,” Bodey said.

“Obviously Batesy’s really experienced so it’s just good to lean on that.

“I think we’re kind of forging our own little path together down here so it’s really good.”

On the field, Bodey is adjusting well to the Hawthorn way of life, including building her relationship with new coach Bec Goddard. 

When asked about that relationship, Bodey had one word to describe Goddard: “different”.

“There’s a fair bit of carry-on,” Bodey laughed.

“But it’s totally different from anything I’ve ever experienced before.

“She has a different way of looking at footy and looking at the game and the team.”

Bodey and the Hawks travel to Cairns for pre-season camp from Friday 14 July. 

The camp includes a School Gala Day at Cazalys Stadium, a coach education session and more.