Aboriginal girls make their mark on footy

More than 250 Aboriginal girls aged 13 to 17 years sported their team guernsey and footy boots at Noranda’s Lightning Park on Friday, March 3 for this year’s Kirby Bentley Cup event.

In its fourth year the nine-a-side round robin AFL tournament proved to be a great success, with team numbers growing from 14 in 2016 to 18 in 2017.

East Perth was crowned the 2017 Premiers after defeating the Pilbara 3.5 (23) to 2.1 (13). Royals’ captain Mavis Lyndon was named Best on Ground.

The cup event provides Aboriginal girls the opportunity to showcase their talent and be selected for the WA Female Kickstart team to compete at the National Championships.

The Cup is named after Fremantle Dockers AFL Women’s star Kirby Bentley, who is supporting the pathway for these talented young footballers.

Bentley said the event is all about encouraging players to be fit and healthy and grow within the sport.

“I am humbled, honoured and proud to have so many girls wanting to participate and dominate in a game that has created so many life opportunities for me,” Bentley said.

“I want to see nothing more than for our young girls to be successful and inspire their sisters, cousins and nieces.

“It is fantastic that these young talented players can now set greater goals for themselves and aspire to play at the elite level in the AFL Women’s competition.”

The cup event was part of the Aboriginal Youth Sports Super Carnival, which also saw more than 400 Aboriginal boys aged 13 to 15 years take part in the Nicky Winmar carnival held at Bendigo Bank Stadium in Mandurah on Monday, March 6. Midwest came out on top with a 3.1 (19) to 2.1 (13) win over South West.

The Aboriginal Youth Gala Day netball competition also took place on Monday at the Mandurah Netball Association.

Check out the short video below on the 2017 Kirby Bentley Cup.