Only days after playing her first match with the Eastern Swans in the AFL Mackay Premier Women’s competition, new recruit Alana McNabb has been selected in the AFL Queensland Women’s SUNS versus Lions Academy match on the Gold Coast.
McNabb a long time Richmond Tigers supporter only took up Australian Football in 2013 and on Saturday (11-April) will play on the hallow turf of Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast.
The game is a-part of the rapidly growing female football talent pathway here in Queensland and McNabb impressed from here first outing in the region at the pre-season challenge in Airlie Beach in March.
Regional Manager Jeff Neumann said McNabb even though only been in the game for 3 years, has attributes of players who have been playing for decades.
“Alana stood out during the Pre-season challenge in Airlie, her natural leadership ability and work ethic was second to none,” Regional Manager Neumann said.
Neumann who has been involved for many years within the elite female programs, rated McNabb as a player with potential to play at the elite level and one to watch.
“McNabb reminded me of a Melbourne Demons women’s Captain Daisy Pearce, her poise, skill and on-field leadership very similar to Pearce.”
“With the right programs and opportunities and continued hard work, McNabb has a very bright future,” Neumann added.
When Mackay.AFLQ.com.au spoke to McNabb, she was surprised on her selection.
“It was a genuine surprise to be selected”, McNabb said.
“I have only been in Queensland for 2 and half months and to be selected is exciting.”
“I am hoping I can continue to develop my skills and improve my game whilst playing alongside my new team-mates”, she added.
McNabb who has only played 22-games of Australian Football since her debut in 2013 with Bendigo WFC in the Victorian Women’s Football League, has already made her mark with the Eastern Swans after 1-match.
The Swans new captain booted two goals and was one of the red and whites’ best in their first up win over the Moranbah Bulldogs by 87 points.
McNabb will fly to the Gold Coast later in the week to join the AFL Queensland Women’s Academy and prepare for one of her biggest football highlights thus far. The Women’s Academy, “All-Stars” game will play as the curtain raiser to the AFL Round 2 match between the Gold Coast SUNS and St Kilda Toyota AFL premiership match.
McNabb will be joined by fellow Mackay, now Brisbane based Jordan Smyth for this milestone Female Football match.
Both Smyth and McNabb were recently named in the inaugural AFL Mackay Women’s Academy and will benefit greatly from the experience. With the likes of Melbourne Demons star Tayla Harris and elite players Emma Zielke and Emily Bates also in this match, McNabb along with Smyth will gain invaluable experience.
Stay tuned to Mackay.AFLQ.com.au for how the star duo go.
Last Modified on 21/04/2015 15:17