The girls couldn't stop giggling while posing for photos yesterday, but don't be fooled by that. When the Cape York Crusaders team takes the field, they bring a tough, no fear approach that should put their opposition on notice ahead of the under-17 youth girls AFL state titles, starting in Cairns today. "Maybe we'll go all right; we're small and fast - and not scared," 14-year-old Teannu Fujii, the youngest member of the team, said. Manager Malita Sagaukaz said of the Badu Island talent "She's pretty tough," before adding about all of the girls "They like to tackle and put their head over the ball. Plus, they have natural skill as well; they're very fast." The Crusaders, made up of players from around Cape York, were selected from last week's Chris Johnston Cup in Bamaga. They will play other teams from around the state, with a Queensland side selected on Sunday. Career development is as much a part of their visit to Cairns and the Crusaders will meet tourism operators and businesses between games to furhter their job prospects. They begin their campaign at Watsons Oval against a combined Townsville-Cairns side, under the North Queensland Lions banner, at 4pm today. A final Queensland under-18 squad will be selected at the completion of the championships to compete in the AFL under-18 Youth Girls National Championships to be held in Victoria in May next year.
Last Modified on 04/12/2012 09:43