DELMA DRAFTED BY GIANTS

TORRES Strait Islander Delma Gisu has reached the pinnacle of women’s AFL after being picked up by Greater Western Sydney in the AFLW draft.

Gisu, who was listed as pick number 65, will play her first season in the top level after competing in this year’s second-tier AFLW’s winter series for the Gold Coast Suns.

Gisu, who originally hails from Mer Island, played club football for the Thuringowa Bulldogs while attending Shalom College in Townsville, where she caught the eye of the Brisbane Lions.

She joined the Lions in their train-on squad after leaving school, which required a move to Brisbane and away from friends and family.

Gisu has played most of her football in the QWAFL for Wilston Grange in the past two years.

“It’s really exciting for Delma, she’s worked so hard for this opportunity,” AFL Queensland regional manager Kath Newman said.

“She’s had to go down the Brisbane to play top football regularly, and that was a big move for her.

“With the women’s contracts only running for one year, hopefully she gets the experience with GWS to hopefully then get on the Gold Coast (Suns) radar.”

The Far North boasts several AFLW players including Western Bulldogs premiership defender Tiarna Ernst, Brisbane’s Leah Kaslar and Adelaide duo Ruth Wallace and Calista Boyd.