DELMA’S GIANT CHANCE

FORMER Shalom Christian College student 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 No. 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 in the Torres Strait, played club football for the Thuringowa Bulldogs while attending Shalom, 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 over 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.”

Gisu will be one of two former players from the Townsville competition to feature in next year’s AFLW season, with Magnetic Island’s Breanna Koenen playing for the Brisbane Lions for a third season.

“It’s great that we have two girls in there, and we’re very confident that next year we’ll double the number,” Newman said.

Koenen will be joined by eight new recruits at the Lions, including All Australian ruck Lauren Bella, promising Western Australian McKenzie Dowrick and Queensland under- 18s captain Natalie Grider. Tori Groves- Little, Jesse Tawhiao- Wardlaw, Jacqueline Yorston and Jade Ellenger also joined Brisbane’s 33- player squad, as the club looks to make its third straight AFLW grand final.

Top choice Paige Parker, overall pick No. 9, was a dark horse selection for the Lions.

The 23- year- old started playing the game three years ago at the recommendation of Brisbane’s AFLW CEO Breeanna Brock, but had failed to qualify for the Lions’ squad over the past two seasons.

IT’S REALLY EXCITING FOR DELMA, SHE’S WORKED SO HARD FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY KATHLEEN NEWMAN