While the Opals got over China in a comfortable win in the quarterfinals in London, the week began with dissapointment as her beloved Saints fell agonizingly short against Collingwood at the MCG.
Growing up, the 20-year-old Opals star was a mad fan of the club, donning the red, white and black most weekends as a child.
“I've been a Saints fan my whole life, my family are all Saints supporters. I'm a member so whenever I'm in Melbourne I'll get to the games,” she said ahead of the Opals’ semifinal against USA.
“I grew up always going to the footy. My parents insist that my first word was 'Plugger'. I've always loved watching AFL and I think I've been lucky to see a lot of on field success with the Saints over the last decade.”
Jarry has been a faithful supporter over the years and said she will never forget her most memorable Saints moment when St Kilda took down Adelaide almost seven years ago.
“My favourite Saints moment was probably our 2005 qualifying final win against Adelaide in Adelaide. Robert Harvey was amazing that night and he is probably my favourite player of all time.”
“Out of the current crop my favourites are Lenny Hayes, Sam Fisher and our captain Nick Riewoldt!”
While the differences between Football and Basketball are stark, Jarry doesn’t feel too far removed from her St Kilda heroes.
“I think the developing tactics in AFL have brought in a lot of similarities to basketball with different zone defences and that sort of thing,” she said.
“AFL clubs have also had a lot of success with recruiting basketballers who have superior athletic qualities which helps them in the AFL.”
Standing at 182cm, the athletic superstar is representing Australia for the first time at the Olympic Games and is enjoying every bit of the experience.
“The atmosphere is pretty amazing. This is my first Olympic games so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect but being surrounded by so many elite athletes is just incredible. Every time you go outside your room you meet someone new or find another cool thing around the Village, it's awesome.”
As for the team’s on-court performance, Jarry is pleased with how the girls are tracking.
“We're getting better each game and are starting to really play well together. Liz Cambage became the first women to dunk at an Olympic games the other day so if she keeps throwing them down that would be great!”
The Opals face the USA in an elimination semifinal overnight.
