Park Ridge State High School’s junior girls AFL team has won this year’s AFL Queensland Schools Cup.
The team, made up of 20 students from year 7 to year , made it through the year long competition undefeated.
In wet conditions, the team captained by Chloe Martin and Hannah Smith won the grand final against Narangba 63 – 0 on October 15 at Maroochydore.
Deputy principal Craig McBrien said the team dominated in the grand final despite the unfavourable conditions.
“A lot of the girls have been through the academy program and they are such a well structured team,” he said.
“The got four goals in the first quarter and that set them up.
“They were in there getting the ball and moving it forward well.
“Best on ground was Monet Brighton Feris and we saw some great plays from Crystal Patterson, Eliza Keiler, Ruby Mann and Chloe Martin.
“Monet was just an absolute standout.”
Mr McBrien said the win was a crowning achievement for the team and the school.
“To win a state title is amazing,” he said.
“But to win undefeated is excellent.
“This gives the girls such a strong pathway into their AFL training and accomplishments.”
Mr McBrien said coach Matt Ashenden and AFL teachers Derek Berry and Adam Boon had really gotten the best out of the girls this year.
“The girls even gave up their lunch breaks to train,” he said.
“As AFL is a subject at Park Ridge they do already have a lot of time to get out on the field.”
Mr McBrien said there would be plenty of growth in the team next year.
“The team will remain strong despite our older girls will moving up into the senior side,” he said.
“We have had a lot of interest in the program.”
