Page 68 - AFL Queensland 2015 Year in Review

AFL Queensland remains at
the forefront of female talent programs nationally, commi ed to providing our talented players with the best development oppo unities as we prepare for the introduction of the National Women’s League in 2017.
In 2015, a 55 member Youth Girls Academy was established as well as a 40 member Women’s Talent Academy.
2015 yielded some fantastic achievements for Queensland female football. The Queensland Youth Girls Under 18’s placed second at the National Championships in WA this year and our Kicksta girls finished third in their National Carnival. Also, our School Spo Queensland 16’s placed second at their National Carnival in Geelong in July.
Tayla Harris, Tahlia Randall, Delma Gisu (Woomeras), Shaleise Law, Gabby Collingwood, and Elisha
King were named All-Australian Under 18’s with Harris was named Player of the Carnival. Collingwood, King, Tarni White, Kalinda Howa h, and Tori Groves-Li le received the same honour at the National School Spo 16’s Carnival, with Groves – Li le taking home Player of the Carnival.
Our Senior State squad also
won both of their state games comfo ably this year. Tayla
Harris kicked 8 goals and was Queensland’s best in a 119 point win over Tasmania at Burpengary on June 7, while Shaleise Law (four
goals) and Jordan Zanche a (21 possessions at 87 per cent ) were the stars in a 47 point win over NSW/ACT at Blacktown on July 19. Emily Bates was awarded the Jo Butland Medal as Queensland’s Best Representative Player for 2015.
In preparation for the AFL Women’s Dra , a Gold Coast Suns versus Brisbane Lions for the state’s best 44 players was played at Metricon Stadium prior to the round 2 AFL match on April 11 between Gold Coast and St Kilda.
Six girls were dra ed for
this year’s AFL Exhibition
Games played this year at
the MCG and Etihad Stadium
– Tayla Harris (Zillmere), Emma Zielke (Coorparoo), Emily
Bates (Yeronga), Leah Kaslar (Coolanga a), Jordan Zanche a (Yeronga), and Tahlia Randall (Nambour/Maroochydore). Queensland High Pe ormance Manager Craig Starcevich coached the Western Bulldogs.
Our first ever State Under 14 Championships were held at Maroochydore in September.
By way of extending the talent pathway for girls, four of our
South East Queensland regions were invited – Gold Coast, Brisbane South, Brisbane No h, & Sunshine Coast - to pilot this year’s competition.
For the first time, an invitational schools competition was run for girls between the ages of 10-12.
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