Mackay footballers Alana Gee and Lily Tarlinton set for Queensland U19 matches after starring in trial game

The Australian Rules U19 national carnival is set to experience Mackay football, with Alana Gee and Lily Tarlinton ready to represent Queensland

Alana Gee during the Northern Academy Series match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Brisbane Lions U19 Academy teams at Bond University. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos

Mackay football is set to be represented on the national stage, with Alana Gee and Lily Tarlinton ready for Queensland selection in the under-19s Women’s National games.

Gee and Tarlinton featured in a trial match against Coorparoo’s QAFLW side last week, with Queensland U19s dominating the matchup.

Gee played local football for the North Mackay Saints as a junior footballer, while Tarlinton represented Mackay City Hawks.

While Gee did play two games for the Saints women’s team this year, the pair are teammates on the Gold Coast Suns’ academy list.

Both girls are expected to have bright futures in the sport.

After Queensland’s match on Tuesday, Suns’ Academy Female Development Coach Sam Iles said Gee and Tarlinton both had strong games.

“Lily took some good marks inside 50 and kicked the ball really well,” Iles said.

Tarlinton made the most of her opportunities in the forward 50, kicking 3.1 in the big win.

“It was good to see her get some reward on the scoreboard for the effort she has put in,” Iles said.

Lily Tarlinton during the Northern Academy Series match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Brisbane Lions U19 Academy teams at Bond University. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos

Gee was thrown into a wing role against Coorparoo; a role she is unfamiliar with.

The coaching staff were impressed with her ability to adapt to the demands of Gee’s new role.

“She worked well to learn this new role and to play a good game,” Iles said.

“Alana ran very hard all night and provided options by keeping good width with her positioning, she found a lot of the ball and kicked the ball well to provide many inside 50s and scoring opportunities for us.”

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Both Gee and Tarlinton are expected to feature in the National Carnival at the end of May, with Queensland facing Victoria Country on 23rd May and Victoria Metro on 29th May.

“Lily has given herself good preparation leading into our Nationals games against Country and Metro with an opportunity to test herself against the best, while it was great to see Alana adapt to a new role and play well to give herself the best chance to compete in a few weeks time.”

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Originally published as Mackay footballers Alana Gee and Lily Tarlinton set for Queensland U19 matches after starring in trial game