Mosman teen makes representative squad

By Deanna Hadid

At the tender age of 14, Erin McKinnon will show no mercy on the field at this year’s National Championships in Shepparton in May. 

McKinnon, who plays in the ruck, is already 181cm tall and has played just one year of AFL with her local team, the Mosman Swans.

McKinnon said she was in total disbelief when she was notified of her selection. “Not even my mum could believe it,” she said.

“When we received the email, I saw my name on the list but I didn’t want to look at it too hard, worried that it would disappear.” 

McKinnon was selected for the NSW Development Squad after being scouted at the 2012 AFL NSW/ACT State Cup, representing the Sydney Harbour region.

The NSW/ACT Under-18s Representative side were chosen after the Development Squad attended a two-day training camp in Sydney in February.

McKinnon started playing AFL because she loved the physical aspects of the sport.

“Most weekend, me, my dad and brothers would go down to the park and have a kick and a mock game…I loved it,” she said. 

“This is also a chance to meet more people, play the sport I love and improve my skills with the help of a few AFL greats.”

 McKinnon is looking forward to representing her home state and is hoping to break a few stereotypes along the way.

“Now I can prove that girls can play AFL too,” she said.

“I hope that by the time I am old enough, there will be a professional women’s AFL competition.”

Her mum, Michelle McKinnon, is now playing two big roles in Erin’s life; both mother and coach.

Mrs McKinnon is very proud and excited for her daughter, and said the experience has strengthened their relationship.

“I think she is such an amazing person,” she said.

“I am particularly proud that she has the courage to be herself and follow her heart without being afraid to try new things, even if it isn’t popular— she is a role model for me.”

Like any parent, Mrs McKinnon was unsure at first about the physical contact in the sport, but soon got used to the idea of her daughter participating. 

“Erin was very keen on playing in an all-girls team,” she said.

“Football is very well run by the AFL, who make sure the girls are all playing in a safe environment.

“To me it’s the perfect sport and I do encourage parents to allow their daughters to play; it’s a good option for girls to get outside and run around, have fun and keep fit together.”

Shepparton in Victoria’s north-east will host the 2013 AFL Youth Girls National Championships from May 6- 10 at Deakin Reserve.

Visit www.playafl.com.au to find your local club and more information, or register your interest with Libby Sadler at Libby.Sadler@aflnswact.com.au.