Former Saints in AFLW action

SUNDAY marked a historic and sensational day in Cairns Saints’ long and storied history as three former players lined up for their respective AFLW teams on the same day.

Saints have developed into arguably the powerhouse club of the AFL Cairns Women’s competition in recent years, claiming two straight premierships – including an undefeated title run in 2021 during which they demolished all comers.

It might be the middle of the off-season in a period of change for the club, but the former Saints have ensured the club remains in the spotlight.

Greta Bodey has become one of the mainstays in the Brisbane Lions’ lineup, and was part of the squad which broke through for the premiership last year.

The half back was in the thick of it again on Sunday, as the Lions got their campaign under way against Adelaide.

2021 premiership winner Courtney Jones then made her AFLW debut for Carlton in their season-opener against Collingwood.

Carlton picked up the former Southern Saints gun Jones with pick No. 59 in the 2019 AFL Women’s Draft, but while many teammates endured lockdowns in Victoria, Jones headed north to FNQ to suit up for Cairns Saints.

Jones played 13 games for Saints, kicking 34 goals (second most for her club), as they romped to the premiership.

In Sunday’s late game, Jacqueline Dupuy was named on the bench for Gold Coast Suns for their clash with GWS Giants at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena, which was also her debut. Dupuy has been on the Suns’ radar for years, and while in Cairns in 2018 and 2019 she was among the busiest footballers in the region.

Not only was she playing for Saints, impressed Suns scouts in the annual All Stars clash and played for the Suns in the QW Winter Series, the talented netballer was also named the Northern Rays’ inaugural captain for the Sapphire Series.

The athletically gifted multisport gun has made Aussie rules her primary sport since, and has been rewarded with her first opportunity to play in the AFLW competition.