GC Suns AFLW add Kaylee Kimber ahead of Mackay match against St Kilda

The female sporting prowess in the Mackay Isaac region is proving “particularly strong” with another product recruited to elite ranks. Read how you can meet the players, watch the game for free.

The Mackay Isaac region’s pool of talented female footballers is proving “particularly strong”, with the Gold Coast Suns swooping up yet another teenage star.

Moranbah’s own 19-year-old Kaylee Kimber is the newest product, and defender, to join the 42-strong AFLW team after demonstrating her prowess through the GC Suns’ Academy program.

Kimber, along with fellow Mackay players Alana Gee of North Mackay, Lauren Bella of Sarina, and Wallis Randell of Mackay, will travel to the team’s home away from home this weekend to face off against St Kilda at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.

GC Suns head of women’s football Fiona Sessarago said the Academy had 900 footballers throughout northern NSW, the Gold Coast and in northern Queensland from Gladstone to Cape York, but the talent in Mackay was “particularly strong”.

“(Kimba) really stood out and we really started to take notice of her throughout our Academy program,” Ms Sessarago said.

She said Mackay was “fantastic” for scouting female players, adding the saying “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it” was potent for young girls aspiring to become professional athletes.

Kimber, along with Gee – who had played for the North Mackay Saints – relocated to the Gold Coast earlier this year to embark on their AFLW careers.

Ms Sessarago said AFLW players recently received a 94 per cent pay increase to secure a $40,000 annual wage, helping players balance their university commitments and sporting ambitions.

“(The girls) train probably between 15 to 20 hours a week but they’re doing things outside of that, they’re doing recovery and extra gym sessions,” she said, adding nutrition was also key.

GC Suns AFLW coach Cameron Joyce said the recruitment of Kimber and Gee to the squad was a credit to both the Academy and the wider Mackay region.

“Having another home base … really adds to what we’re trying to do in developing talent,” Mr Joyce said.

He said while their last game in Mackay against the GWS Giants was “not a great performance”, the team was hoping to “bounce back” with their match against St Kilda on Saturday.

“We’re looking at making it really difficult (to win) no matter what team plays us,” Mr Joyce said.

The Round 4 game begins at 12.05pm and entry is free.

Members of the public, including children, are also invited to watch the team’s open training session from 3.45pm on Friday at the Great Barrier Reef Arena with a signing session to follow at 4.45pm.