SEQ AFL under-17 milestones matches; plus reviews for Maroochy, Roos and Sharks
SEQ AFL under-17s milestone girls from Wests Juniors, the Tigers and Everton, along with season updates for Maroochy, Roos and Sharks and how one Northern Rivers girl conquered the Kokoda Challenge.
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There were milestone matches for girls from the Wests Juniors, Everton Wolves and Tweed Coast Northern Rivers in the SEQ AFL under-17 girls competition.
ACE PRIME MOVERS OF THE UNDER-17 GIRLS
MILESTONE GIRLS OF THE UNDER-17s
QAFLW AND QAFL’S PLAYERS OF THE LAST ROUND
In this story we pay tribute to them, along with revealing some of the competition’s Cool in a Crisis players.
The Wests Juniors celebrated two huge achievements by Edie McCabe and Eva Sartor who both reached an amazing 150 matches for the western suburbs club.
And celebrating the milestone on the same day was 100-game young veteran Nickkie Shaw.
What a moment to cherish for the girls.
Across town at the Everton Wolves den, two girls were acknowledged for their 50 game contribution to the club, Aoife Piipari and Emily Smyth.
And down the Coast, the Tweed Coast Northern Rivers community recently gathered to support
100 matches for both skipper Billi Hutton and Wren Hynes.
The girls entered the playing arena wearing their old, original junior club Vulcan jumpers - a game ironically played on the home ground of the Murwillumbah Vulcans.
And in another personal milestone for another Tweed Coast Northern Rivers player, Madi Power walked the Kokoda Challenge – all 96km of it in 28 hours – and then played.
“This girl is one tough Tiger. She is totally team committed and never misses training and puts 100 per cent in for the girls every game,’’ said club coach Steve Foreman.
The Southport Sharks players were also displaying great team spirit this season, according to coach Marcus Gazsik.
“All players are playing their roles really well and they are always playing selfless team footy,’’ he praised.
“We are building into the season.’’
“Some players playing those selfless roles really well are Lexi Hodgkin and Jada Skinner.
The Maroochydore under-17s has been a mixed bag, with the squad sustaining injuries which meant players have had to be shuffled around in different positions. More than 30 players have been used this season.
“The girls have adapted with several playing in new positions,’’ explained Maroochydore coach Damien Smith, who added the girls were being educated and gathering experience in different roles.
“With each player knowing their role, this will go a long way to playing good team footy,’’ Smith said.
“Apart from playing new positions and learning these roles the girls have become more versatile which is always important when a variety of situations may face the girls.’’
The Coorparoo players have been enjoying their season.
“Coorparoo, with such a mixed team from the season opener, have really come together and are improving from week to week,’’ said Coorparoo coach Scott Harrison.
“Being in a fortunate position with player numbers, the offset is that the team can change from week to week as some girls unfortunately miss out.
“Players have played in multiple positions giving them experience in different parts of the field which has been a positive learning experience.
“A prominently bottom age team means these skills will translate into their growth leading into next year.’’
Harrison said there had been “many ups and the downs’’ and some unfortunate season ending injuries.
“It has been great to see how on game days clubs come together to make it a great day for the players which is what youth footy is about,’’ Harrison said.
“The most pleasing aspect of the team is, regardless of results, has been the improvement in the players skills and game knowledge but more importantly how they are as a group at training and games.
“ There is only smiles, fun, a want to be there and a want to learn.’’
Players who have been leading by example include:
Lyla Harrison: A never-ending running player who leads in the midfield. She will play in a way that she hopes others follow and replicate which is evident as she wears her heart on her sleeve.
Kami Bray: Another midfielder who is selfless and has the ability to run out a game after big minutes on the field.
Breanna Hubert: Breanna came to the club mid season and showed she has the ability to shine on the field. “The team is excited to have her and see what she can do for the rest of the year,’’ coach Harrison said.
Emma Bracegirdle: Emma is the first picked for the backline in a position she has dominated for years. We love that she is always pushing to play forward each game when given a chance and she never lets the team down when given that opportunity.
“The team is also fortunate to have many girls who turn up to games and training that have an impact each week,’’ Harrison said.
These include Charlotte Love, Mia Papp, Aaliyah Radice and Larissa White. “These players are constantly looking to improve. They are enjoying their footy and being part of the Roos this year.’’
Down in Tweed Coast Northern Rivers country, two explosive wingers, Summer Browning and Maddie Campbell, excelled at the weekend with their transition play out wide.
Leading the way for Cooly this season has been captain Ava Maher, who has played with the Suns 18s team, along with Jamie Collins who is an emerging leader within the team.
“With a talented list, key forwards Eliza Wightley and Matisse Francis were turned into key backs and are leading the way for our young group,’’ coach Foreman said.
“Up forward Alisha Filtness is finishing off some fantastic work from her teammates and leading the goal kicking for our club, while Izzy McPherson has been unstoppable at centre half forward while providing midfield minutes when needed.
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