Aussie rules talent Molly Ferguson selected as under-16 girls all-Australian vice-captain

A rising Sunshine Coast Aussie rules star has been awarded best and fairest and selected as the All-Australian vice-captain at a recent national carnival.

Rising Sunshine Coast Aussie rules talent Molly Ferguson. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Sunshine Coast rising Aussie rules talent Molly Ferguson has edged another step closer to her elite level dream after being selected in the All-Australian under-16 female team.

Ferguson, a promising forward and midfielder, was a standout at the recent AFL National Development Championships for the Brisbane Lions Academy.

The Maroochydore Roos player was awarded best and fairest for her pool after two solid performances against Victoria Country and the Gold Coast Suns Academy.

Ferguson showed great vision and excellent disposal skills as she racked up a healthy average statline of 30.5 disposals, 3.5 clearances and four tackles across both matches.

The clever and courageous midfielder was also named as the All-Australian vice-captain in a merit side that featured seven South Australians as well as three Brisbane Lions Academy, Victoria Country and Western Australian players.

Molly Ferguson at the recent under-16 girls AFL National Development Championships. Picture: Ben Grimes

Molly Ferguson at the recent under-16 girls AFL National Development Championships. Picture: Ben Grimes

“I was just amazed when I got a phone call about my selection,” the current Sunshine Coast Grammar student said.

“It’s my first time getting into that squad so I was surprised but also grateful that my hard work has paid off.

“It’s really special to me and it is a big achievement but I won’t let it stop my hard work and where I want to be.

“Reaching the AFLW is definitely a goal, I’m training and playing a few games with the under-18 squad at the moment and that’s been another great experience for me.”

Ferguson, who has been playing the sport for six years, said she felt she had grown as a player and person in recent weeks.

“I really enjoyed travelling as a team, I felt we connected a lot more and the whole environment was just a bit of a step up,” she said.

Rising Sunshine Coast Aussie rules talent Molly Ferguson. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“The coaching staff were great as they care a lot about how you’re tracking as individuals but also push you to improve in a team environment.

“I definitely feel like I’m improving, my confidence has risen a lot by taking as much as I can away from all of the coaches and even my teammates.”

The keen Carlton and Charlie Curnow fan said she was excited for what’s next.

“With some of our jersey presentations and team meetings we had a few of the Brisbane Lions AFLW players speak to us which was very inspiring,” she said.

“It’s really cool to see girls playing at that high level that have played on the Sunshine Coast when they were my age.”