Congratulations to North Cairns trio Selina Goodman, Luana Healy and Jo Butland who were selected to be involved in AFL Queensland's Elite Female Footballers 'All Stars' match last weekend.
Four (4) time AFLCW Best & Fairest winner Selina Goodman and QLD U18 State Representative Luana Healy were both selected as players in this match to represent the Gold Coast SUNS. While North Cairns five (5) time Premiership Coach Jo Butland was selected to be a part of the Gold Coast SUNS Coaching Staff. Jo was in charge of the Midfield.
The All-Stars match was played as the curtain raiser to the R2 Gold Coast SUNS vs. St. Kilda clash at Metricon Stadium.
The All-Stars teams comprised players from the state’s new Women’s Talent Academy, the 2015 Youth Girls Academy and players hand-picked from regional staff. Teams played in Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast SUNS Guernsey’s.
This match provided players with an opportunity to showcase their skills and played an important part in the selection process for the AFL Women’s Draft later on Monday, 20th April and the state game on Sunday, 7th June, which will see Queensland take on Tasmania at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex.
Final Score: Gold Coast SUNS 11.7-73 def. Brisbane Lions 7.5-47
During the first half Goodman played across the SUNS half-back line, generally playing through the middle this new role tested Goodman’s ability to read the play and perform in a defensive set up. In the second half, Goodman was moved into a familiar position, Ruck where she was influential. Her presence around the football enabled her to play as an extra on-baller and her fitness allowed her to finish the game strong. She was a standout performer.
Healy played across half-forward and was used as a genuine key target for the SUNS going forward. Luana was dominant playing up the ground and was able to kick a great goal. For such a young player her presence on the football ground is fantastic.
Butland believed the overall standard was some of the best female football she has seen played in Queensland, “The match was high quality, fast moving and very skillful. It is definitely a step up from previous representative campaigns.” Butland also said “it was a great opportunity and privilege to play on Metricon Stadium before an AFL Match.”
Both Goodman and Healy have been regular players at AFL Cairns Juniors Summer Development Program from November through to March and believe their involvement definitely added their performance. "The extra work during the off-season with Cairns Talent Program gave us more confidence to play our natural game and allowed us to be ready for a physical contest” Goodman said.
On behalf of the entire AFL Cairns Community we congratulate Selina, Luana and Jo for their involvement in the All-Stars Match. We wish them all the best in upcoming representative fixtures and the 2015 AFLCW Season.
Last Modified on 14/04/2015 11:46