MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Feb 11: Youth Girls Challenge launch at Punt Road.
By Maddison Jeffery
WITH the introduction of a national AFL women’s competition in 2017 looming, the incentive for Victoria’s best youth girls players to have their talent recognised is at its peak.
For 2016 Vic Metro Captain Katherine Smith and Vic Country Captain Georgia Walker, the time to shine is now.
Having been selected to represent their State next week in the AFL Youth Girls National Championships and captain a side overflowing with talent, the vision of someday playing professional football is finally attainable.
“The national competition is definitely great motivation,” Smith said.
“Even if it wasn’t there, my passion for footy would be the same, but it does help to push you that little bit further and train that little bit harder.”
Running out for her third season wearing the Big V, Walker said she is excited to have the opportunity to take her football to the next level.
“To play AFL football has been a dream of mine since I first started playing in under 10s,” Walker said.
“The reality of it back then was to play in a men’s competition against men, which was never going to happen, so it’s great we finally have an opportunity.”
At just 17-years-old, both captains are exceptionally high achievers when it comes to football, with Walker leading the Dandenong Stingrays to its first piece of silverware in the inaugural Youth Girls Academy Challenge earlier this year, while Smith’s football knowledge was recognised after being awarded the 2015 Best Female Coach of the Year Award.
However while their selection as Victorian National Championship captains should come as no surprise, it seemingly wasn’t the case.
“It’s not something you ever see coming,” Smith said.
“There is some amazing talent within the Metro squad, and they’re all really great leaders, so it was definitely a surprise.”
Walker echoed Smith’s sentiment, explaining she too did not expect to receive the top honour, but is equally delighted to get a chance to take the wheel.
“Honestly, I was pretty shocked at first when I was announced as captain, as I didn’t expect it,” she said.
“It has always been a personal goal of mine, so I’m just really happy to be part of it.”
Excitement and a healthy mix of nerves seem to be the key theme between the Victorian captains heading into the start of the national carnival on Monday at Holden Centre.
Held from May 2-6, the AFL Youth Girls National Championships sees the most talented Under 18 female footballers from across the country battle it out for the coveted national title.
After winning four of the last five Youth Girl National Championships, Vic Metro is keen to keep its winning ways alive, while Vic Country is looking to improve on its 2015 campaign.
“I’m really looking forward to it and just keen to get underway,” Smith said.
“There’s a lot of talent in the Vic Country squad this season, so we are excited to give it a good hot crack and give the other teams a run for their money,” Walker said
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