Dream Comes True for Trainee Tayla Harris

Keep a close eye on one of AFL SportsReady’s star trainees, Tayla Haris, who last night was selected at pick 17 by the Melbourne Football Club in the 2014 AFL National Women’s Draft.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural AFL women’s match between the Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs, the two sides will again play as the curtain raiser on Sunday, 29 June at Etihad Stadium before the round 15 clash.

Both clubs have retained 13 players from the 2013 squads and selected a further 12 players from a total of 284 nominees across the country. Each team will enter the match with a squad of 25 of Australia’s best female footballers.

Still only 17 years of age Tayla has achieved a great deal. As a member of the AFL Academy in 2012, Tayla has represented Queensland Youth Girls in all five Championships thus far and has been named in the All Australian team three times.

A member of the inaugural tour of New Zealand in 2013, Tayla conducted herself as a young leader and coach to the NZ Kahus. Harris holds the record for the running vertical jump at youth girls level and her ability to tap accurately to one of her on-ballers is one of her greatest strengths. Tayla’s contested overhead marking sets her apart from her peers.

Tayla also recently completed her traineeship ahead of schedule with host employer AFL Queensland, earning a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation along the way.

“It was such an honour to be selected, I am so excited” Tayla said. “When my name was read out, I couldn’t stop smiling, it was an amazing experience.”

“It is a dream come true.” Tayla added.

AFL SportsReady’s QLD State Manager, Shane Johnson described Tayla as “an outstanding young woman who is motivated and driven; we are excited to see what the future holds for her.”

Tayla is currently completing her Year 12 studies, while managing her football commitments and working casually for AFL Queensland as a Sport and Recreation Officer.

All football fans are encouraged to attend Etihad Stadium on Saturday, June 28 and support the AFL’s best female footballers. For more information on the 2014 AFL Women’s Exhibition Game, visit the AFL Community website.

EVENT DATE: Sunday, 29 June at Etihad Stadium
IMAGE: Melbourne Demon, Tayla Harris (AFL Community website)
DATE: Tuesday, May 20, 2014