Eden’s Dakota Hooper is making an impression in women’s Aussie Rules.
Last year the 17-year-old played with the Combined High Schools (CHS) under 16s and this year she is kicking it up a gear.
After respective trials in Narrabeen and Albury, Dakota has made selection with the NSW/ACT state side to play at the national carnival in Perth.
The Essendon supporter said she had taken up the sport at a young age as it was “something a bit different”.
Dakota was the only player from the South Coast chosen in the CHS squad last year and said playing was “fulfilling a dream”.
“I never believed something this like this was possible for youth girls until now,” she said after playing at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) last year.
“Up until I was 13 I was still running around with the Merimbula Diggers under 13s boys.
“I’ve grown up supporting AFL all my life and I was so happy to make my family, as well as the South Coast, proud in something I am truly passionate about.”
Proud dad Bruce Hooper said the upcoming trip to Perth was another level for Dakota.
“This is not a school carnival, this is the best girls from school and open age club footy,” Bruce said.
A highlight for Bruce was the praise heaped on his daughter by former Sydney Swans player Tim Schmit.
Schmit, who now works as the NSW/ACT team head coach said “Dakota’s most valuable asset is her ability to play well in a number of positions”.
Bruce said he was driving home with Dakota from Albury when the pair got the good news so they stopped near Mount Kosciuszko for some fresh air and to celebrate.
The trials in Wagga Wagga saw 200 enter, with 54 selection.
Dakota then joined a trial match against the Victorian Country side.
“We played them in a trial match and it was pretty close,” Dakota said.
“We lost by 12 points 48 to 36.”
Thirty-five players were then selected, with Dakota named as the only South Coast player in the squad.
Dakota plays in the centres and out on the wings, but joked she got to “kick a few goals every now and then”.
In the lead up to the carnival, Dakota is training hard alongside the Eden Whalers.
“Some of the senior team are her school friends so she has been training with them,” Bruce said.
The family has had plenty of support from the club and Bruce said he and Dakota will take the opportunity to thank the Whalers at the Nines tournament on Sunday.
“We have had amazing support from the Crowe family and the Eden Whalers,” he said.
There is a significant cost involved in travelling to Perth for the carnival.
Last year a number of locals and businesses jumped on board to help cover the costs, which Dakota was hugely grateful for.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported me in covering the costs; you made this dream possible,” she said last year.
Dakota and Bruce are welcoming any donations or support to help see Dakota reach the national carnival.
If you would like to help out, give Bruce a call on 0488 999 7400488 999 740 or contact Dakota directly on 0499 109 3000499 109 300.
Jacob McMaster- Bega News
Last Modified on 13/07/2015 11:40