From humble beginnings Kath making big impact
In the middle of rugby league heartland, Kath Newman is changing the lives of young athletes chasing their Aussie rules dream.
The Suns AFL Academy manager helped develop the code in Townsville before a shift to the Gold Coast where she is making an impact on the entire state of Queensland.
Ahead of International
Women’s Day, Mrs Newman took the time to reflect on her journey in the sport.
“Looking back, I think it is the start of the women’s competition in Townsville (that would be my biggest achievement),” she said.
“It grew from nothing to then getting three girls drafted within the space of a couple of years. It’s continuing to grow and I look back as a legacy and am proud.”
Since the growth and development of the game in North Queensland, some big name players have been drafted to the AFLW.
The Suns recruited Lauren Bella, Daisy D’Arcy, Wallis Randell while the Lions drafted Ellie Hampson, Bre Koenen.
“There have been heaps and even Lily Tarlinton is a great story, she has come from Mackay,” Mrs Newman said.
“She is now just turning 23 but she has been playing for Bond University.
“All of sudden at the end of last year she gets drafted to Adelaide.
“Some really good stories out of North Queensland.”
Born in Toowoomba, Newman grew up playing basketball and athletics but her passion for AFL came during her years as a physical education teacher.
“I would love to have the opportunity (to get drafted),” Mrs Newman said.
“I was one of those basketballers that spent a lot of time with five fouls sitting and cheering on the rest of my team for the second half of the game.
“(I was) quite physical and yeah I would have loved to have an opportunity to play footy.
“The girls these days, they don’t really know how lucky they got it.”