NSW/ACT Indigenous and multicultural talent named in national squads
Sixteen U16 girls from NSW and the ACT have been named in national squads representing the best Indigenous and multicultural talent.
Players from across the country will come together to form the Indigenous side, the Woomeras, and the multicultural team, the Medleys. The teams will face off in a match in Melbourne on 5 June.
Eight NSW/ACT players have been selected for the Woomeras, and eight have been selected for the Medleys.
Each of these 16 players participated in AFL NSW/ACT’s Indigenous Youth Girls Leadership Program, which culminated in a three-day camp held in April this year. The camp assessed players’ leadership ability, footy skills, and fitness. The standouts have been given the opportunity to play with and against the best rising Indigenous and multicultural talent in the nation.
Mark Leavy, AFL NSW/ACT Diversity Partner, Indigenous, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many players from Indigenous and multicultural backgrounds getting the opportunity to join an elite talent pathway.
“Some of these players are just beginning their football journey and there’s no doubt programs like this will further improve their abilities on the field and off it.”
Selection in the Woomeras and Medleys also sees the players gain access to a national online mentoring program to improve their leadership and footy skills, which will take place from now until December.
Marianna Konidaris, AFL NSW/ACT Diversity Partner, Multicultural, said: “I’m so proud of each of these players who will take their games to the next level through their selection in these teams. There’s a lot of talent among the group and I’m sure it’ll be a great experience for all involved.”
Congratulations to the following NSW and ACT players and their community clubs on their selection:
Woomeras |
Medleys |
Brooke Turner (Killarney Vale Bombers) | Imogen Hungerford (Willoughby Mosman Swans) |
Taya White (Killarney Vale Bombers) | Steph Wilkins (St Ives Saints) |
Karmel Kohunui Potts (Camden JAFC) | Lily Race (Glebe Greyhounds) |
Deja Barlow (Bellingen Bulldogs) | Montana Doubell (Kiama Junior AFC) |
Ava Hinton (North Broken Hill JAFC) | Aoife Berry (St Ives Saints) |
Shaleah Cooper (Moama AFC) | Aysha Sanchez (Bomaderry JAFC) |
Jemika Cooper (Moama AFC) | Amelie Prosser-Shaw (Baulkham Hill JAFC) |
Telaya Blacksmith (Shellharbour Junior AFL Club) |
Jaija Rangiah (Eastlake Demons) |
Photo main: Montana Doubell and Telaya Blacksmith (main)
Photo: Players at the recent Indigenous and Multicultural Youth Leadership Program in April 2022.
Photo credit: Nat Sports Media