From NAB AFL Auskick to the 2013 Women’s Queensland Sunfire team, it has been a snowball type journey for Darling Downs player Marnie McGorm.
Marnie’s first Aussie Rules experience was in primary school through the Auskick program and didn’t kick another sherrin, synthetic or leather for a further 4 years in secondary school. St Ursula’s College is where McGorm had another taste of the Australian Game; her school side participated in their first ever school competition going through undefeated.
Marnie was at this stage heavily entrenched in her chosen sport of Soccer playing and starring for the Willowburn Women’s team.
McGorm again played for her school side in the AFL Queensland run Youth Girls and Brisbane Lions Cup again in 2010 but from here she was identified for the combined regional Youth Girls representative program. McGorm was selected to go away in the final 22 to contest the Youth Girls State Championships in Cairns and little did she know this was the start of a new chapter.
“To be honest, my AFL experience has really just snowballed since 2010 to the point where I really haven't had the chance to really sit down and have a think about my long term goals” Marnie told www.darlingdowns.aflq.com.au .
After an impressive carnival in Cairns followed by another impressive showing at Under 18 State Championships, McGorm was selected in her first Australian Rules State side – the Under 18 Queensland Youth Girls team.
“I have just been going with the flow! Making Queensland was such a thrill and a major shock back in 2011”
Marnie has always said her family is her inspiration every time she takes the field.
“My whole family have always been an inspiration for me to keep going, to take that extra stride or make that extra tackle”.
“Every one of them have had a big impact on my sport - whether it's my mum's endless support driving me to and from Brisbane twice a week in the middle of grade 12 for Queensland training, or my brothers' and dad's endless advice for me to continuously improve my game”.
“Family means a lot to me, and I wouldn't be where I am without them”.
McGorm continued her rise as she was named in the 2012 Under 18 Queensland Youth Girls team and was close to All-Australian selection, a goal that drives Marnie today.
“Having come close to it once before, I think making all-Australian is now a goal I think I could achieve - with hard work of course”
In 2013 Marnie was the seventh Darling Downs female footballer to be named in a Queensland team and started her next chapter. The next chapter is still a big shock to Marnie, as McGorm decided to stop playing soccer – a sport she had played since she was six, a big decision for a then 18-year-old.
Marnie now plays for Yeronga AFC in the SEQ Division 1 Women’s League and studies fulltime at the University of Queensland majoring in Physiotherapy but said she just needs to be outside.
“I'm constantly outside - or try to be”
“I started studying physiotherapy at UQ this year which is keeping me very busy but I'm really loving it. But when I'm not studying or playing sport I’ll be outside with friends and family - at the beach, a BBQ or out on the water, skiing.”
This week Marnie will put studies on hold as she lines up for her third Queensland team in as many years at the 2013 AFL National Women’s Championships in Cairns. McGorm will pull on the #9 Maroon and white Guernsey against Victoria today at Cazaly’s Stadium.
Watch Marnie and the Queensland team in action from 4:20pm today at http://new.livestream.com/accounts/4214247/events/2172362
Last Modified on 02/07/2013 10:49