Territorian Annabel Kievit to debut for Gold Coast Suns in AFLW opener
A young Territory star will get to show off her skills on the big stage after being told she will make her AFLW debut for the Gold Coast Suns. Read about her journey here.
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Territorian Annabel Kievit is set to make her AFLW debut for the Gold Coast Suns in the side’s season opener against St Kilda this weekend.
The 18 year old was drafted to the Suns in December, landing her dream gig as a professional footballer when she was taken in the third round at pick number 52.
It came following years of successful footy in the NTFL where she was one of the figureheads of a youthful Waratah outfit.
She quickly asserted herself in the side with her ability in the ruck and around the contest, while her athleticism and talent often played a role in scoring chances.
Kievit went on to win the 2021 NT News Rising Star award and two years later was picked by the Suns after continued strong showings at club and representative level.
She is the latest player from the Northern Territory to don the red, gold and blue guernsey since the partnership between the club and the Darwin area began.
Janet Baird and Ashanti Bush previously got their AFLW starts with the Suns, while Joel Jeffrey, Malcolm Rosas Jr, Lloyd Johnston, Sandy Brock and Will Rowlands were picked in the men’s squad.
Suns head coach Cameron Joyce said Kievit’s talent and hard work had confirmed her opportunity to play in the season opener.
“It’s always a special moment telling a player they’ve earned the opportunity to make their AFLW debut and it’s fantastic that we have not one, but two players doing that this weekend,” Joyce said.
“Annabel has shown her talents and hard work over the course of pre-season and we’re excited to see develop for hopefully many years to come here on the Gold Coast.
“I know she’ll have plenty of friends and family right across the Northern Territory glued to the TV on Saturday.”
Kiara Bischa, a Burleigh Bombers junior and defending Suns Academy Player of the Year, will make her debut alongside Kievit.
The ultra-competitive defender known for her clean hands and two-way game was selected by the Suns with Pick 50 in last year’s draft.
Joyce shared the news with the two first-year players, confirming they would be included in the 21-player squad on Wednesday.
“Kiara’s been a part of our club since she was a little girl,” Boyce said.
“She’s come up through the ranks of our Academy, her parents are foundation members of the club and now she gets the opportunity to debut in her home city.”
“Both Kiara and Annabel have really impressed throughout pre-season, they’ve taken everything in their stride since coming into the club and are always looking for ways to continue developing.
“It’s a proud moment as a coach to be able to tell them they’re playing their first game this weekend. “
The Suns will name its finalised team for Saturday’s clash on Thursday night.
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