Bellingen’s Deja Barlow named in AFL’s national Indigenous Woomeras team

Not many girls get this chance, said Deja Barlow of her call into the national Woomeras side. Why Sunday will be extra special for the Coffs teenager.

Coffs Coast teenager Deja Barlow is taking giant strides as a leader, for her culture, and on the football field.

On Sunday at the fabled Kardinia Park, Deja will graduate to an elite club - when she runs out for the national Indigenous AFL side the Woomeras.

The Bellingen Bulldogs prodigy is one of just a handful of young women from across NSW and the ACT to be selected.

The Woomeras will square off at Geelong against a national multicultural team known as the Medleys in an Under 16 girls match.

“I’m really happy, excited and a little nervous for any opportunity, as not many girls get this chance,” Deja said.

“It’s a chance to represent my culture as well - that’s really good.”

The 16-year-old has been chasing the Sherrin for the past six years, and is no stranger to representative honours, having turned out for the North Coast Academy of Sport and North Coast Force.

But this will be her debut in the Woomeras jumper, though she’s been around the camp in recent years as a development prospect.

Eight NSW/ACT players have been selected for the Woomeras, and eight have been selected for the Medleys.

Miranda King, Deja Barlow and Katelyn Whyman. Bellingen's Deja has won selection for the national Indigenous AFL team the Woomeras. Picture: Nat Sports Media

Each of these 16 players participated in AFL NSW/ACT’s Indigenous Youth Girls Leadership Program, which culminated in a three-day camp held in April.

The camp assessed players’ leadership ability, footy skills, and fitness. The standouts have been given the opportunity to play with and against the best rising Indigenous and multicultural talent in the nation.

Deja plays in the middles - ruck and sometimes wing - and sees the Woomeras call-up as a stage to one day make the grade with her adored Sydney Swans.

“The Woomeras will help me to become a better footballer and to become a better person,” she said.

“It will be a chance to work on my leadership qualities and to bring those back up here (to the Coffs Coast).”

Players at the AFL's Indigenous and Multicultural Youth Leadership Program in April. Picture: Nat Sports Media

Deja had to be nudged to self-assess her footy smarts.

“I can read the game really well and I never give up. I’m a team player who can get the other girls involved into the game,” she said.

Mark Leavy, AFL NSW/ACT Diversity Partner, Indigenous, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many players from Indigenous and multicultural backgrounds getting the opportunity to join an elite talent pathway.

“Some of these players are just beginning their football journey and there’s no doubt programs like this will further improve their abilities on the field and off it.”

Selection in the Woomeras and Medleys gives players like Deja access to a national online mentoring program to improve their leadership and footy skills, which will take place from now until December.