IN JUST her second year in AFL, Springfield Lakes player Chloe Ackland is representing Queensland at the national championships in Perth from July 22 to 29.
It’s the second year in a row the Springield Central State High School student has made the Queensland team.
A regular player for the Jimboomba Redbacks AFL Club under 15 Div 1 girls’ side, Chloe said she really aspired to make the state team after competing in the Queensland championships at Maroochydore with the Met West School side.
“It's amazing to represent Queensland. I was very nervous this year and wanted it even more than last year,” she told the Times.
“Last year was such a surprise as I had only just started playing.
“I was the last person to be selected from our Met West team this year, so it was a very long wait.
“I was so excited when I heard my name called. There are lots of great players so it's a really big honour.”
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Something new
An experienced basketball player before she tried AFL, Chloe had some thinking to do about which sport to pursue.
“Last year my school started a girls’ AFL team for an inter-school comp. Mum and Dad said I should try something new as I had only ever played basketball, at both club and rep levels,” she said.
“My friend really encouraged me to give it a go, and after playing only three half-hour school games I tried out for the Met West team and got selected to go to Mackay, then was selected for the 2016 Queensland team.
“I decided not to play basketball this year and concentrate on AFL.
“To get selected for Queensland again this year, I think I have made a good decision. I love the game and all the team spirit,” she said.
Give it a go
The Times asked Chloe what advice she’d give to younger players.
“I would say to young girls wanting to start AFL it's a pretty chilled sport. You don't have to worry about fancy uniforms or hair and make up, you just need to be ready for some hard fitness and get in and give it a go,” she said.
“There are so many skills in AFL that there is a position for all shapes and sizes. It's a tough sport but I think that's very good for your confidence.
“It's a great time for AFL girls as the opportunities are skyrocketing.”
Chloe’s Redbacks team is presently top of the division and will be playing in the finals later this year.
“The Redbacks team are the best, we have an awesome head coach and my Dad is one of the assistant coaches,” she said.
“We are all a bit nervous about the grand final but I think we have a pretty even chance.”
