The Brisbane/Sunshine Coast Flames are ready to defend their title at the upcoming Under 16 Youth Girls State championships this weekend in Cairns.
Last night saw the Flames’ last training session followed by their jumper presentation. Katie Brennan, two time All-Australian and former Under 16 Flames captain spoke of her pathway and what the future could hold for these aspiring footballers.
Yeronga player Annamieka Mole, after recovering from Glandular Fever has been named Captain of the team for 2011. Molly O’Dwyer (Sunshine Coast) and Sarah Malkinson (Yeronga) were both named as vice-captains.
Coach Daniel Selby says “I think the team will perform really well. They have trained and bonded really well as a group over the past five weeks”.
The Championships this year will feature teams from Darling Downs, Northern Rivers & the Gold Coast (Southern Stars), Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg (Central Coast Cobras), Townsville & Cairns (North Queensland Fast T Shop Lions), Cape York (WCCCA Trust Crusaders) and Brisbane/Sunshine Coast Flames.
Two-time Under 18 All-Australian Megan Hunt will be one to look out for in the Central Coast team alongside her Qld Under 18 team mate Bethany Gapes.
Due to Queensland School Sport (QSS) agreeing in principle to having a 16 years and Under School girls State Championships in 2012, this will be the last year of a successful 6 year competition with AFL Qld. AFL Qld will continue to assist QSS with it championships to ensure that more and more girls around the state will get the opportunity to represent their region at the Championships.
