Ella Calleja and her Qld teammates play their first game next month against Victoria Metro

Ella Calleja is set to line up in the NAB AFLW national championships. Her club coach explains what makes her such a dynamic player.

Yeppoon Swannettes player Ella Calleja will represent Queensland in the NAB AFLW national championships. Photo: George Vartabedian

Yeppoon Aussie rules sensation Ella Calleja has been selected in the Queensland under-18 team for the NAB AFLW national championships.

The 17-year-old is joined in the 28-member line-up by Moranbah’s Kaylee Kimber and Mackay’s Alana Gee.

The championships start on Sunday and continue throughout April.

Eighteen representative teams from Queensland, Victoria Metro, Victoria Country, New South Wales/ACT, South Australia, Western Australia and the Allies (combined Northern Territory/Tasmania) will take part.

They will each play three matches at venues across the country.

Queensland talent manager Mark Browning said he was excited about the squad that would fly the flag for the state.

“It’s a good mix of ages… and overall there’s some real high-end talent,” he said.

Yeppoon Swannettes player Ella Calleja will represent Queensland in the NAB AFLW national championships. Photo: George Vartabedian

“One of the biggest positives is with the possibility of the AFLW season coming forwards, these national championships are even more important for the girls.

“The reality is, in a few months some of these girls could be playing AFLW.”

Calleja plays with the Yeppoon Swannettes in the AFL Capricornia senior women’s competition and was named Best and Fairest last year.

Her coach Mark Wallin said Calleja’s star was on the rise and her state selection was well deserved.

“She’s been working really, really hard in our pre-season and with the Gold Coast Suns Academy,” he said.

“She seems to be getting better which is a scary thought for opposition teams here.

“She’s an excitement machine. She can take a great mark, she’s got good speed and she can kick probably 30m to 50m on the run.

“She’s pretty much got everything going for her.”

Kaylee Kimber, pictured in action for the Moranbah Bulldogs, has been named in the Queensland under-18 team. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Calleja and her Queensland teammates open their campaign on April 19 against Victoria Metro at Metricon Stadium, before backing up on April 22 in Melbourne against Victoria Country.

They’ll meet the Allies in Queensland on April 30 in the last game of the championships.

The Queensland squad will play a practice match against the Maroochydore QAFLW side on Saturday.