The Mackay Crows have claimed the AFL Queensland Under 17 Division 3 State Championship title, going through the entire competition undefeated.
Our Crows girls were sensational from start to finish, and become the first ever Mackay representative team to claim a championship cup.
With the new exciting era that is female football, the youth girls in red, gold and blue never gave up and came from behind to earn victory on more than one occasion.
Queensland Basketballer and rookie, Madison MacDonald claimed the 'Most Valuable Player' award voted by the coaching staff.
Mackay Crows Co-Coach, Matthew Bateman said MacDonald is an exiting young talented athlete and was a very deserving recipient of the MVP award.
"Madison from the get go, was fantastic and really surprised us to be honest," Co-Coach Bateman said.
"We originally selected her as a changing forward/ruck but early in the first game, Madison was given the task to play as a midfielder.
"She (Madison) seamlessly transitioned to the new position and was outstanding," Bateman added.
The Crows rags to riches story is a remarkable development, from finishing last in consecutive championships to winning the championships undefeated.
Formerly the Vipers, the newly named Crows did nothing but soar from game one to their final match against division 2 rivals Capricornia.
Game 1: Mackay 8.4 (52) def. Townsville 2.10 (22)
Best: M.MacDonald, S.Murphy, A.Anderson
Goals: M.MacDonald 2, S.Murphy 2, T.Mealy 1, A.McGrath 1, A.Anderson 1, E.Rix 1
Game 2: Mackay 4.7 (31) def. Wide Bay 3.2 (20)
Best: T.Saunders, B.Laffan, M.MacDonald
Goals: D.Semmler, E.Rix, S.Murphy, B.Laffan
Game 3: Mackay 7.5 (47) def. Papua New Guinea 0.1 (1)
Best: L.Beckingham, M.MacDonald, S.Murphy
Goals: S.Murphy 4, C.Castle 1, L.Tarlinton 1, D.Semmler
Game 4: Mackay 3.6 (24) def. Capricornia 1.4 (10)
Best: M.MacDonald, A.Anderson, L.Beckingham
Goals: T.Mealy 1, L.Tarlinton 1, B.Laffan 1
As any Championship winning side has, many players contributed to the overall success of the team.
From the previously mentioned MacDonald to Captain Abby Anderson, Bakers Creek Shenae Murphy and Queensland school-girls captain Lois Beckingham, the Crows were relentless and played with plenty of energy and buzz.
NAB AFL Academy member Lauren Bella was superb and supplied the Crows midfield with silver service in the ruck.
Another pleasing sight, was the evolution of up and coming stars Brooke Laffan, Lily Tarlinton and rookie Wallis Randell, who all took their games to the next level.
AFL Queensland Regional Manager for Mackay Jeff Neumann said it is a very proud moment and a collective effort.
"Our talent programs both male and female have been restructured and focused on not only creating better footballers but better people also," Jeff Neumann said.
"Our youth girls, have received the rewards of committing, listening, learning and investing into the program.
"To be the first Mackay team to win a Championship title, it is a massive moment and one that will no doubt have a very positive effect within the region.
"From the travelling officials to non-travelling coaches, and of the course the players and their families, this is a team effort led by the playing group," Neumann added.
Mackay went through both the 2014 and 2015 Championships, win-less and have turned their fortunes around very quickly.
"Unfortunately we haven't had the greatest of success when it comes to representative carnivals, though winning isn't what it's about but it is a nice reward," Neumann said on the 2016 title win.
"It's simple, play your role and work hard, rewards will follow," Jeff said.
Congratulations to the Mackay Crows, which is a fantastic effort and one that will go down as a turning point in the region.
Award Winners
Most Valuable Player Award - Madison MacDonald (Rookie via St Patricks College)
Players Player - Shenae Murphy (Bakers Creek Tigers AFC)
Last Modified on 06/02/2017 12:59