Whole New Ball Game by Lauren K McKellar

She thought she had her future sorted, but life has other plans...

Get the reference, get the job, get out of here: I know what I want. What I've always wanted. What I've been raised to want. The only thing standing between me and my dream overseas nursing job is a reference from my boss – and a very special little girl in the hospice care where I work who I just can't say goodbye to yet.

The last thing I need is Sawyer Benson, the AFL legend and an arrogant smile, coming in to visit the kids at the hospice and interfering with my life.

But when Emily tells me that girls can't play football, I know that I have to prove to her that girls can do anything they want. So Sawyer and I strike a bargain. I'll play his girlfriend when the camera's on, and off–camera he'll train me up for the Women's Aussie Rules league try–outs. Together we'll show Emily that girls are brave and strong and can do anything they dream of.

I still know what I want. I can walk away from footy and go back to my original plan. Football and arrogant smiles can't be my future.

Can they?