On the road to greatness

Last year Shannon Wright started playing AFL and last week she was selected to the national team.

• Unwavering passion for football
• Squad to hit world stage

Last year Shannon Wright started playing AFL and last week she was selected to the national team.

It has been an impressive rise from newbie to NSW representative for the Dural teen, who joined the Baulkham Hills Hawks FC last year after a school friend invited her to training.

She has kicked goals ever since, from being named as one of the top five players in her competition pool to being selected in the U15 GWS Giants Youth Girls Academy, and next month she will play for NSW at the AFL All Schools Australian Championships in WA.

Shannon in action on the footy field. Picture: Baulkham Hills Hawks FC

Shannon’s selection for the state team followed the U15 state championships in Albury on June 5, where she captained the Greater Sydney Combined High Schools Girls team.

The Young Sporting Spirit nominee said she was “very proud” of her team and “honoured to be the captain”.

“I love being the captain – in that environment I’m able to communicate with everyone so they can perform as best they can,” Shannon said.

The Cherrybrook Technology High Year 9 student said making the national squad after a long selection process was a “very surreal feeling”.

“It’s been a very long journey but I’ve had a very good team to support me and very good coaches,” she said.

After an impressive two years on the field, Shannon hopes to join the U18s GWS Giants Academy next year, and eventually one day play in the AFLW.

“I think it would be an absolutely awesome thing,” she said.

Nominations are now open for the Local Sports Stars program.

To nominate, visit localsportsstars.com.au