FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR 2020 GIRLS
GOLD Coast’s plunge into the AFLW is set to go up a notch following the naming of the Bond University Under-18 Queensland State Academy squad.
The 33-player outfit – comprising 19 Suns players and 14 Lions – will compete in two games against West Australia in Perth next month followed by the NAB Under 18 AFL Women’s National Championships on the Gold Coast in July.
The squad was chosen after two Brisbane and Gold Coast academies trial games in April and the weekend Northern States Academies Carnival in Coffs Harbour.
AFL Queensland state female high performance manager Kath Newman backed her side to shine,
with many lining up only months away from a potential AFLW debut when the Suns enter the competition.
“The squad we have selected is very strong and possesses great depth throughout,” Newman said.
“The quality of the team is a credit to their junior
coaches and the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast academy coaches.”
The squad contains 10 national academy players including three who have already signed on for Gold Coast’s 2020 side: Ellie Hampson, Kitara WhapFarrar and Charlotte Hammans.