Spotlight on: Gungahlin Jets

This team of 50 players aged between 18 and 40 compete in the Women’s and Youth Girls leagues. Their dedication as a team inspires both the AFL and Canberra community. On and off the football field they are unstoppable.

Pink Football Day has been running since 2009 and is endorsed by AFL Canberra and the teams who play in the Canberra competition. Pink Football Day raises funds and awareness for breast cancer. In 2012, the Jets took the day to a new level changing their traditionally blue, black and white strip to Pink. But that was just the start.

The Jets have been able to secure a sponsor for the event, VIPs to attend and media coverage. It opened discussion with Hon. Kate Lundy, Minister for Sport to be the Number 1 Ticket Holder for the club, which has subsequently been accepted and lots of interaction between the GWS GIANTS club and themselves with player signings, NAB AFL Auskick sessions and super-clinic for lots of kids from the area. Having the GWS GIANTS present at Pink Footy Day was a great honour for local football and for local women’s football.

As a result of this game the Gungahlin Jets and ANU have also agreed to a Pink Footy Day round, where a cup will be players for on the Pink Footy Day.

We spoke to Lisa Murphy from the Gungahlin Jets about Pink Football Day and here is what she had to say.

What is the most inspiring thing about Pink Football Day?
Money raised from this cause makes a difference in saving lives and assisting families dealing with Breast Cancer. From a personal point of view, the spirit and the lift it gives those who have had direct experience with Breast Cancer.

How does Pink Football Day and what it stands for extend from the football field into the community?
It allows a local football community such as the Gungahlin Jets to acknowledge and give back the community in which we live, work and play in. Using community football to raise health awareness issues is a good strategy to bringing a message home.

What does being a good leader mean to you?
Inspiring people to be the change they want to see, walk the talk. Leading by example, ensuring you are always approachable, always giving 100% working on your own personal goals to ensure that the team benefits, being a good listener!

What does teamwork mean to you?
Using the strength of the group to achieve a common goal.