Jordan Smyth admits she’s had a whirlwind introduction to the sport of Australian Football.
The 18-year old only kicked a sherrin for the first time competitively during the regions Under 17 Youth Girls program in October last year but she’s already set to line up for Queensland at the Under 18 Youth Girls National Championships to be held in Mandurah, Western Australia from May 4.
Smyth and Lauren Bella were the only two from the region selected in the State Youth Girls Academy after stellar State Championships.
Fact: Jordan Smyth has represented Australia in futsal and toured internationally.
The soccer-convert has now moved to Brisbane to take up full-time study at the University of Queensland and said her selection was a nice surprise given her limited experience in the game.
“It was really surprising; I didn’t expect to get in. I went away with the (Under 17 Mackay) Vipers just for fun,” Smyth told Mackay.AFLQ.com.au
“I’m a soccer player so getting use to using my hands has been interesting and learning to kick the footy has also been another challenge,” Smyth added.
Jordan Smyth admits she’s had a whirlwind introduction to the sport of Australian Football.
The 18-year old only kicked a sherrin for the first time a-part of the regions Under 17 Youth Girls program in October last year but she’s already set to line up for Queensland at the Under 18 Youth Girls National Championships to be held in Mandurah, Western Australia from May 4.
Smyth and Lauren Bella were the only two from the region selected in the State Youth Girls Academy after stellar State Championships.
The soccer-convert has now moved to Brisbane to take up full-time study at the University of Queensland and said her selection was a nice surprise given her limited experience in the game.
"I was quite shocked to be honest," Smyth told Mackay.AFLQ.com.au
"I haven't been playing Australian Football for very long at all and very thankful for the opportunity, I now have.
"I didn't kick a football until 2013 when my high school teachers Mr. Skipper and Mr. McLennan pushed for me to be involved with the Pioneer State High AFL excellence program.
"I owe a-lot to them, for pushing and encouraging me to be involved," Smyth said.
Nationals will be huge challenge for the rookie player with the countries best 18 years and under footballers spread across 8 teams all vying for the National crown.
AFL Queensland Regional Manager Jeff Neumann said Smyth’s selection is icing on the top, continuing Australian Footballs growth within the region.
“Smyth really impressed in the intra-academy game in early March, playing predominately in defensive fifty,” Neumann said.
“Her ability to read the play is beyond her years and pace off the mark, sets her a-part.
“After a massive 64% growth in participation in 2014 for the region, myself coming in has always been about capitalising and setting the region up for long term growth,” Neumann said on the regions participation growth last year.
“Smyth’s selection is perfect for the region, as we look to implement Youth Girls competitions within the region. These pathways will give more players like Jordan and Lauren (Bella) the opportunity to progress and compete at the elite level.
The now Brisbane based Smyth will train twice a week with the Queensland side, which includes Melbourne Demons listed player Tayla Harris.
Queensland’s squad of 27 which includes Smyth will contest the National Championships from May 4 at Mandurah in Western Australia.
Did you know, Queensland is the number 1 ranked female Australian Football participation state in the country? Over 51,000 females played Australian Football in 2014 and you can in 2015, for more information contact the AFL Mackay office on (07) 4951 0622.
Last Modified on 16/04/2015 16:29