It was a dream come true for AFLW recruit Keely Fullerton when she was drafted to the Gold Coast Suns at Pick 36 in December.

However, the speedy winger’s passion for greyhound racing is right up there with her desire to chase the Sherrin.

Not only is Keely an active greyhound trainer, but her long-term career ambition is to become a greyhound vet.

Fullerton, 18, was born into greyhound racing through parents Grant and Natasha, who train and educate greyhounds from their home in Long Gully in the Bendigo region.

Keely’s grandfather, the late Jim Fullerton was a GRV Steward for 60 years and a grader for 13 years, while the family also owned former provincial superstar Bound To Succeed, which ran third in a Ballarat Cup.

“I have a big favour to ask my host family. I’m going to ask them if I can bring my pet greyhound Baxter to Queensland to live with us.”

“We’ve had greyhounds my whole life, and I recently got my trainers licence and have had a couple of starters,” Keely said.

“My first runner was a greyhound called Starting Out, who ran unplaced in his two starts before getting injured.

“And I also had a first starter the other day, Flying Panama, who ran fourth on debut at Healesville and I was really happy with his run.”

While Keely believes she was always destined to become a greyhound trainer, she will shortly put that pastime on hold when making the move to the Gold Coast to live.

These days Keely is studying part-time at Latrobe University in Bendigo, but will soon transfer to Griffith University in the Sunshine State.

“I’m studying a Bachelor of Science, which I am hoping to lead me into Veterinary Science.

“I just love everything about the breed and I want to be a greyhound vet one day.”

When asked if she has any role models in the veterinary field, Keely was quick to respond.

“I do actually. I really look up to Dr Sue Collins, who is a greyhound vet in the Bendigo and Shepparton regions.

“The way Sue cares for the dogs both at the races and also away from the racetrack with her surgical work really inspires me to want to follow in her footsteps one day,” she said.

But for the time being Keely has a football career to forge at the elite level.

The skilful left-footer started playing footy at Auskick at six years of age before progressing through junior ranks at South Bendigo and Eaglehawk and being picked up by the Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League.

She also represented Vic Country in the Under 18 National Championships last year, playing in Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne.

The greyhound racing community is sure to be closely following Keely’s AFLW career as it unfolds, and we look forward to seeing her return to our sport one day as a trainer and/or veterinarian.

WATCH: Keely Fullerton’s highlights reel.