AFL SportsReady Trainees Earn National Title

AFL SportsReady trainees formed part of the Western Australian representative team which was  recently crowned the 2014 Youth Girls National Champions.

Inspiring performances from AFL SportsReady’s Kellie Gibson, Courtney Ugle and Kira Phillips helped WA set up the 25 point win over traditional rivals, Victoria Metro. The Championship was one year in the making with WA redeeming themselves after suffering a disappointing loss in last year’s Grand Final. 

Currently completing her traineeship with the Swans District Football Development Council in junior development, Kellie Gibson kicked a number of telling goals and was named in WA’s best. Kellie’s on-field leadership was also recognised by being named in the midfield of the 2014 All Australian team. 

Kellie will also join fellow AFL SportsReady trainee, Tayla Harris, after being selected by the Melbourne Football Club at pick 5 in the 2014 AFL National Women’s Draft. Kelly will play against the Western Bulldogs, in the curtain raiser on Sunday, 29 June at Etihad Stadium before the round 15 clash of the AFL match between the Demons & Bulldogs.

“I was so surprised to be named an All Australian midfielder. It is such an honour.” Kelly said. 

Kellie kicked her second goal late in the last quarter to give WA a 15 point buffer, “I knew straight off the boot it would sail through. It was one of the best feelings.”

When she is not racking up possessions across half back or booming instructions to the back six, teammate Courtney Ugle also works for the Swan Districts FC, helping deliver the V Swans Community Development Program. 

AFL SportsReady newcomer, Kira Phillips, has just started her traineeship with the South Fremantle District Football Development Council program, said she was  thrilled with the victory, a first for the WA female team. 

AFL SportsReady’s WA State Manager, Colin West, provided a glowing endorsement of the three trainees and is proud of their on-field success “All three girls have worked incredibly hard for this and they thoroughly deserve the national title accolades.”

“Kellie and Courtney work together at the Swan Districts FC and they have been doing a terrific job throughout their traineeship. The girls make sure their football commitments don’t interfere with their work at the club, which is not always easy for elite athletes.” Mr West commented.    

“We could tell right away that Kira would be a great trainee, her dedication and work ethic will place her in good stead, both in the office and on the field.”

“We look forward to seeing what the girls can achieve.” Mr West added.  

 

GAME SUMMARY:
WESTERN AUSTRALIA: 7.8.50 defeated VICTORIA METRO: 4.1.25

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
GOALS: Asha Price 3, Kellie Gibson 2, Cassie Davidson, Ashley Sharp
BEST: Hayley Miller, Kellie Gibson, Sabrina Frederick-Traub, Tayla Bresland, Cassie Davidson, Tarni Golisano

VIC METRO 
GOALS: Isabel Huntington, Georgie Gourlay, Alex Quigly, Emily Rose-Browning
BEST: Brittany Bonnici, Isabel Huntington, Georgia Gourlay, Emily Browning, Rosie Dillon, Georgia Fisher

 

DATE: Wednesday 28 May, 2014
IMAGE 1: Kellie Gibson, front row, far right, celebrates the national title win with her WA Teammates