State 15 females showcase talent at National carnivalWednesday, August 3, 2016 - 10:30 AM

The West Australian State 15s AFL Female Team battled it out in the National 15s Grand Final after the side secured strong victories in all its matches in the week-long carnival held in Queensland.

The team of 24 got off to a good start and thumped New South Wales 8.11 (59) to 2.2 (14) in the opening game of the series on Sunday, July 24 and got another three wins under its belt after the side defeated Queensland-1 Team 9.12 (66) to 1.2 (8), South Australia 7.6 (48) to 1.1(7) and kept Queensland-1 scoreless at Maroochydore Sports Complex - 5.14 (44) to 0.0 (0).

WA started off slow in the Grand Final clash against Victoria but managed to fight back in the second quarter. Victoria didn't give in at any point and proved to be too good for the girls, beating the side 10.8 (68) to 4.4 (28).

Head Coach Oliver Beath said he was very pleased with the team’s efforts in the competition, having made it to the Grand Final.

“The girls have showcased great talent and making it to the ultimate decider is a true testament to their hard work and dedication” Beath said.

The competition’s entry age dropped from 16 years to 15 this year and WA Football Commission Female Talent Manager Alison Moore said it has been a real benefit for the state’s talent development pathway.

“We’re thrilled that the team represents many of our younger players who have participated in this year’s Female Talent Academy," Moore said.

“It’s important we identify the younger players and give them these opportunities at a state level and help them develop into quality senior players in the years to come.”

Scores

WA (8.11.59) v NSW (2.2.14)
Sunday, July 24
9.15am WST
Maroochydore Sports Complex

WA (9.12.66) v QLD1 (1.2.8)
Monday, July 25
9.15am WST
Maroochydore Sports Complex

WA (7.6.48) v SA (1.1.7)
Wednesday, July 27
8.45am WST
Maroochydore Sports Complex

WA (5.14.44) v QLD1 (0.0.0)
Thursday, July 28
10.30am WST
Maroochydore Sports Complex

GRAND FINAL
WA (4.4.28) v VIC (10.8.68)
Saturday, July 30
9.30am WST
Maroochydore Sports Complex

Players were selected from all across the state from a pool of more than 100 footballers who took part in team trials held in Northam, Bunbury and Perth earlier this year.

“This team is a fantastic mix of metropolitan, regional, Indigenous and Multicultural players and it demonstrates that any girl can have the dream to play AFL in the future,” Moore said.

Earlier in the month players got the chance to shake hands with former State 16s captain and current AFL Female player Sabrina Federick-Traub when they were presented with their state jumpers at a ceremony on Monday, July 18.

Twitter - @WA16sGirlsAFL. 

Team List