Mackay girl Lani Minster to represent Qld in AFL National Championships
Picking up the sport of her dad came naturally to Lani Minster. Now, after a successful state carnival she is set to represent Queensland.
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A love of footy runs deep in young Lani Minster’s family.
But when it comes to ability she may just soar well above the rest.
Minster kicked multiple goals and was awarded most valuable player for AFL Capricornia in the recent Under-12s State Championships.
Her performance has earned her selection in the Queensland state team heading to Adelaide for the National Championships.
It is an incredible achievement for the young wing/centre-half forward who is still only in the early stages of her playing career.
Minster said she loves “everything about footy” but particularly prides herself on her running ability and goal kicking prowess.
She remains a dual-sport athlete spending her hours outside school racing between basketball and footy training.
She admitted at this stage that footy was her main love, but explained the fitness she developed from basketball had been essential in her success so far on the green field.
Minster takes inspiration from Gold Coast Suns ruckman Lauren Bella and hopes to join the Suns Academy in Mackay when she is old enough.
Minster plays with the Mackay Swarks in the Under-12s mixed team, the by-product of an amalgamated Mackay City Hawks and Eastern Swans.
The Swarks side is currently second on the ladder after seven games this season.
She is one of several in the side whose dads once played together at the Eastern Swans.
Minster has been around the footy club from a very young age.
Her dad Ben Minster was filled with pride when asked what it would mean to see his daughter represent her state.
“It is great to see her at her full potential,” Mr Minster said.
“She has definitely gone a lot further than I or any of our family ever have.
“It will be a proud moment that’s for sure.”
Minster will head back to the Swarks now and begin her preparation for the National Championships in August.
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