Queensland U18 Girls out to avenge 2011 3rd place finish.
Revenge can be a powerful motivator. Just ask Caitlin Collins, Jordan Zanchetta and Emily Bates.
The heartache of last year’s third-place finish at the Under 18 National Youth Girls Championships still burns deep within the trio – from Sinnamon Park, Riverhills and Moorooka respectively – and they are on the warpath.
They will again lead Queensland’s charge at the 2012 tournament in Adelaide in May and have resolved to leave no stone unturned in their quest for glory.
Asked about her goals for the tournament, Collins pulled no punches, “Hopefully to beat Victoria and come first. Western Australia and Victoria are just amazing” the ruck or centre half-forward said.
Bates echoed her sentiments of her team mate saying Victoria would again be the team to beat after downing Queensland last year.
“You could just tell they were above par with their footy because they’ve been playing for so long at that level,” Bates, a centre, said.
“We came third after winning the semi-final against South Australia. It was a really good experience. I like the phsyicality of the game and the fact it’s not a typical girl’s sport. I definitely want to play through to women’s competitions.”
Yeronga team mates Anna O’Keeffe and Nikki Wallace were also chosen in the 2012 Queensland Squad.
They will fight for selection in an Australian all-Stars team – Collins & Bates made the 2011 side – to be announced at the end of the tournament.
Story Courtesy of South-West News
All players in the 2012 Under 18 Qld Youth Girls team are required to pay their own way to the National Championships. If anyone would like to sponsor any of the girls individually or the team please contact AFL Qld Female Programs Manager Julia Price at jprice@aflq-new.fspdev.com
