Wallis Randell, Gold Coast Suns, inspiring next generation of AFLW stars

Wallis Randell was inspired to strive for the AFLW when her hometown friend was drafted to the Suns. Now she wants to inspire the next generation of elite female athletes.

Wallis Randell from the Gold Coast Suns AFLW team in Mackay, September 6, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

She began playing football because her friend asked her to but now Wallis Randell understands the significance of her position in the sporting landscape.

The Mackay-raised athlete made the transition from basketball to Australian rules when her friend convinced her to fill in for the Mackay Magpies one weekend, and now Randell is a regular for the Gold Coast Suns in the AFLW.

She said she loved knowing she had an impact on the younger generation of footballers coming through.

“I think it’s great we’re able to impact the community like this and provide exposure for the junior grassroot footballers,” Randell said.

“Women’s AFL in Mackay needs to grow, and it has been growing massively in recent years.”

Randell followed in the footsteps of another Mackay-born Gold Coast footballer Lauren Bella, with the pair lining up each weekend together.

Wallis Randell (left) and Lauren Bella of the Gold Coast Suns AFLW side back in Mackay, August 28, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Randell said Bella inspired her to strive for the highest level of football in the country, and she hoped to do the same for the next crop of women’s footballers.

“I remember when Lauren was drafted and I suddenly thought ‘this is a possibility for me’,” she said.

“I entered the draft and didn’t get picked up, but a year later I entered again and was lucky enough to get picked up by the Suns.”

Wallis Randell said she was excited to watch the growth of the AFLW. February 17, 2021 in Gold Coast, Australia. Picture: Chris Hyde

While Randell is focused on the 2022 AFLW season, she said it was exciting for the competition to expand to 18 teams in 2023.

“With the new expansion teams coming in, we’re a step closer to being equal to the men’s league,” she said.

“The growth of women’s footy around Australia has been insane, to know that I can be in Perth or on the Gold Coast and my parents can watch the games here in Mackay is crazy.

“I’m sure no one thought we’d be at a full 18-team league so quickly.”

Originally published as Wallis Randell, Gold Coast Suns, inspiring next generation of AFLW stars