Suns pair a ray of hope
THE rise of young gun Daisy D’arcy to the AFLW ranks has come with the prospect of Aussie rules in the region reaching greater heights.
The teenage prodigy will join fellow Townsville sensation Ellie Hampson with the Gold Coast Suns next year, and their presence signifies a growing trend of regional athletes making their mark on the biggest stage.
Magnetic Island product Breanna Koenen has become a consistent cog in the Brisbane Lions line up, while Mackay’s Lauren Bella is another Sun in the mix.
North Queensland Gold Coast Suns Academy co-ordinator John Deitz said the continued exposure of regional talent to the heights of the sport showcased the game’s willingness to invest in players from those areas, and the more who made the jump, the more Aussie rules would thrive at local levels.
He said Townsville’s first season of having a youth girls competition highlighted this change of the code’s impact, with a gap filler between junior ages and senior ranks now available.
“It’s huge for Daisy to get picked up on the back of Ellie Hampson, to have two girls from Townsville in two years is massive,” Deitz said.
“The fact there’s another girls competition in Townsville is massive, and Daisy being selected shows girls there’s an opportunity to push to the highest level.
“Now it’s opened up with that 15s age group, and having rep programs of that age gives them the chance to play high level footy throughout North Queensland.
“There’s a real desire to pick these girls from the regions, it’s fantastic. It gives those young girls a real eye opener there’s a strong pathway there.”
Providing a program for that under-15s age group has become a priority for Deitz, with one set to take place in 2021 through the Suns Academy. Previously, girls had been able to play alongside boys up until they were 13, but were unable to ascend to the women’s ranks until they turned 17.
Deitz said growing the game involved ensuring there was a passionate following at local levels, and this is where the likes of D’arcy and Hampson getting their break could truly benefit Aussie rules in Townsville.