Primary school friends Shannon Campbell and Tahlia Randall chase AFLW flag dream together

SUNSHINE Coast pair Shannon Campbell and Tahlia Randall started their football journey together at primary school and they are both determined to taste premiership success at Brisbane.

Shannon Campbell competes for a mark in last year’s grand final. Picture: AAP

FROM Kuluin primary school on the Sunshine Coast to the Brisbane Lions, Shannon Campbell and Tahlia Randall are determined to help their side snare a premiership which just eluded them last year.

The duo are primed to lace up in the team’s first home game of the season, against Western Bulldogs at Brendale on Sunday, after a morale-boosting win over AFLW reigning premier Adelaide last weekend.

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The two have played together in some shape or form since they were very young — at first with the Kuluin primary school team in the Carol Berry Cup.

“We started the journey together and are continuing the journey together ... it’s awesome,” Randall, 19, said.

“We’ve played football together from a young age and we’ve known each other for a long time so it’s really special to be able to play at such a high standard with her.”

Shannon Campbell has had a better preparation heading into this AFLW season. Picture: Liam Kidston

Campbell, 21, said they had mostly shared a remarkable ride from grassroots footy to the top tier.

“It’s actually amazing. We’ve probably known each other since I was in grade two or so, so it’s been pretty crazy how things have worked out.”

They were both part of the Lions side which was edged in the grand final but Campbell believes the squad is better prepared this campaign.

“Compared to last year I think our skills have definitely improved,” she said.

“We were able to move the football around the ground pretty easily (last weekend).”

A talented back, she is primed for a bumper year after getting a full pre-season in, working on her running game with ex-Lions stalwart Daniel Merrett.

Last time around, she had a limited preparation after coming off the back of a soccer scholarship in the United States.

Lions ruck Tahlia Randall. Picture: AAP

Meanwhile, Randall, may see more game time in the ruck this season.

“I have a season under my belt but I’m still a bit young so I’ve got to still listen and learn and look up to the older girls in our team to improve,” she said.

“We want to take that next step further (this year) and if we make it to the grand final then obviously win that final,” she said.

Campbell is a casual employee for AFL Queensland while Randall is studying podiatry.

The latter is also working three casual jobs, with the membership team at the Lions, with Auskick and at a bakery.

She said it “would be awesome” if the AFLW would one day cater for full-time athletes.

They’re not the only Sunshine Coast products in the competition.

Sharni Webb’s also at the Lions, while Aasta O’Connor is at the Bulldogs.

Originally published as Primary school friends Shannon Campbell and Tahlia Randall chase AFLW flag dream together