Tarni Evans and Emily Pease picked by GWS Giants in AFLW draft

A move to the Queanbeyan Tigers was more than just a three-hour trip up the Snowy Mountains Highway. It meant leaving the nest, changing schools, and living with her older sister.

"A good getaway," she laughed.

And two years later, the gamble has now paid off.

Evans and Belconnen Magpies' Emily Pease were taken by the GWS Giants with picks one and two in the AFLW draft on Tuesday.

It's the latest step in Evans' meteoric rise since arriving in Canberra, having already joined the AFLW academy and helped the Tigers to back-to-back finals.

"I've always enjoyed footy. I moved to Canberra to have a good crack at it because I decided if I wanted to have a good go, I would move out to a better competition," Evans said.

"I've been working at it, it's been a dream. It feels like it's paid off, it's really exciting for me and my family."

The Giants plucked Evans and Pease straight out of the AFL Canberra competition, having watched a few of their matches across the season.

The western-Sydney bound duo have known each other for years, having grown up doing Little Athletics together at national level.

Evans used to be a high jumper and Pease competed in the heptathlon event until early last year, before shifting her focus to solely football.

Pease, 18, has been playing football for six years and was lost for words when the Giants broke news of her selection.

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"Words can't really describe it, it's amazing. It's something I've been working hard towards for a while,so to have it happen is a dream come true," Pease said.

"It's exciting for us to get the one and two pick. Having someone I've known for ages and is a really good friend coming with me, is going to be amazing.

"I'm looking forward to the semi-professional aspect of it and getting to know the other girls on the team. I love the team aspect of footy, so that'll be exciting as well - especially with the experience the Giants have."

But before they become teammates, Evans and Pease will stay rivals for a one more weekend - with Queanbeyan and Belconnen to meet in the AFL Canberra final on Saturday.