When you look through the Queensland State Women’s team list, it’s a very imposing lineup.
Seven of the 23 have played at AFL Game Exhibition level. Nat Thomas, Ally Anderson, Emily Bates, Leah Kaslar, Emma Zielke, Tayla Harris, and Jordan Zanchetta.
But a team is made up of 23 players, and this one runs very deep.
Here are four players you might not know a whole lot about, but are set to light up the Moreton Bay Sports Complex on Sunday.
Breanna Koenen
Koenen is a really clever halfback who grew up on Magnetic Island off Townsville. She gets off her opponent, drops into the holes, and takes a lot of intercept marks. Her excellent foot skills on the way out means she can play a quarterback role, propelling the team forward. She finds space well, and is very sure above her head. Koenan is a previous member of the Queensland Youth Girls team, and has been at UQ in the QWAFL for the last couple of years.
Shannon Campbell
Campbell is a very strong defender with great hands. She takes the ball at the highest point, which makes it very difficult to out mark her. Because of this, she isn’t afraid to pluck a mark on her opponent instead of just spoiling the ball. Arguably the best kick in the Queensland team, the 2014 Youth Girls All-Australian will set up the play from the backline on Sunday.
Jordan Membrey
Membrey is the bolter of 2015. The 2014 Youth Girls member didn’t have a huge impact on the carnival last year, but following a huge pre-season, she has been a revelation for Coolangatta in the QWAFL this year. Membrey was best on ground in the Gold Coast SUNS vs. Brisbane Lions selection game earlier this year, proving just how far she has come. The mid-sized utility can play at both ends of the ground, or as an explosive midfielder. Her first few steps make her extremely difficult to tackle, so look for her run and carry through the middle of the ground come Sunday.
Sheena Sidin
Sidin is arguably the most intimidating ruck in the QWAFL today. An Army professional, she played in the Defense Force team at the MCG on ANZAC Day earlier in the year. She loves the physical aspect of the game but is also a very smart footballer. Sidin is not afraid to drop into a hole or sit behind the ball, she takes good strong overhead marks, and her skills are good. Her and Rachel Anstey are a very strong ruck combination that will really take it to Tasmania.
By Andrew Wiles – @andrewjwiles
