From the Horse's Mouth: Samantha Lane

If I made a buck every time I was asked about being a working women in footy I wouldn't have to work at all, but I welcome the enquiries, from young women especially. The more that get involved the better.

The die was cast early. I was born in a Blues’ premiership year and put in a miniature, hand-knitted club jumper the day they won that season. As a kid I hated Essendon, but that was based on some painful Carlton losses. Now the degree to which I like the various AFL clubs is based on the people that work or play for them.

I was born in Hobart but grew up in Melbourne. Tasmania is incredibly special to me but Melbourne is home. Radio stations 3RRR and PBS, and the Reclink Community Cup are but three reasons why it rocks out.

My lucky break came through Carlton. The editor of Carlton's quarterly magazine agreed to let me write some stories while I was still in high school, then I was hired straight out of uni to write for www.afl.com.au. I went on to land a spot on the panel of Before the Game and get a job at The Age after three knock-backs for cadetships. I’d embarked on a shameless campaign of heckling.

I adore AFL crowds. Sharing home cooked stuff and a thermos of tea while watching a game live makes me insanely happy. As do hot chips with sauce and vinegar at three-quarter time. Footy gets people talking and thinking about big picture issues that they wouldn't discuss as readily – if at all – if not for the game.

Before the Game is on Channel 10 every Saturday night at 6.30pm during footy season.