AFTER three months of travelling and training in Brisbane at AFL Queensland centre of excellence, DD girls Isabella Baldock, Marnie McGorm and Jade Loch have performed well and matched it with the Nations best at the 2012 Under18 Youth Girls National Championships in Adelaide.
All three were originally identified through school AFL for St Ursula's College, as they progressed through the female talent pathway to reach the top of female AFL. Queensland finished 2nd at the championships, going down to powerhouse state Victoria in the Grand-Final at AAMI Stadium.
This is the best result for any Youth Girls/Women’s Queensland side and is a major step forward in Female footy for Queensland.
Summary of each player from the championships;
Isabelle Baldock - Played as the attacking half back flanker throughout the championships, was named in the best against Western Australia and South Australia in the round robin games. Was named in Queensland’s best in the Grand-Final against Victoria at AAMI Stadium. Baldock was unlucky not to be named in the best against New South Wales, but Queensland’s 89point win and dominance, meant Isabelle didn't see a lot of footy down back.
Marnie McGorm - McGorm's second selection in the maroon and white, after representing her state in 2011. McGorm played predominately as a wing throughout the campaign, was moved to the halfback/rover. Marnie was named in Queensland’s best against Western Australia, New South Wales and South Australia. Marnie was unlucky to miss out on All-Australian selection.
Jade Loch - In her first year of AFL football, these championships were all about learning the key fundamentals of our great game. Loch was played as a defensive forward, as Jade finished with QLD's most pressure acts throughout the round robin stages and used as a small crumbing forward. Jade was able to chip in with a few handy goals. With two more years being available for selection, Jade will develop into an elite youth girl’s footballer.
Invitations will be out shortly for the 2012 Under17 Southern Stars team which combines girls from the Darling Downs, Gold Coast and Northern Rivers. For more information you can contact Jeff Neumann at the AFL office on (07) 4632 2994. Open invitation, the Darling Downs trial day will be held during the June/July school holidays.
PHOTO: The three DD girls outside AAMI stadium before the Grand-Final against Victoria. Left to Right - Isabelle Baldock, Marnie McGorm and Jade Loch.
Last Modified on 31/05/2012 14:27
