National leadership course for diverse female players kicks off

Fifty Indigenous and Multicultural players from across the country, including 11 WA participants, are currently undertaking a six-day camp focussing on personal and cultural development after being selected for the 2017 Medleys and Woomeras Leadership Program.

Currently in its fifth year, the Rio Tinto AFL Woomeras team is the national under 16 female Indigenous development program while the Medleys is the national under 16 female Multicultural development program.

The female programs mirror the World team pathway for boys of the same age and the Rio Tinto AFL Flying Boomerangs pathway for the boys, respectively.

The Medleys played against the Woomeras in a match on Friday February 10 and came away with a 7.6 (48) to 6.4 (40) victory. The two teams take on one another in a final exhibition match on Sunday in Geelong at 3.00pm WST.

It will be the first time an all-Indigenous girls’ team will play an all-Multicultural girls’ side in an official match.

AFL Head of Multicultural & Indigenous Partnerships & Programs Ali Fahour said the Medleys and Woomeras programs are a great way to encourage young women to aspire to reach the elite level and fast track their football development.

“The 2017 Medleys and Woomeras Leadership Program is an incredible platform for young Indigenous and Multicultural women to not only showcase their great talents, but to also develop leadership skills and the potential for them to become positive role models for their respective communities,” Mr Fahour said.

“The young women will enjoy elite training environments with the aim of improving their football ability, enhancing their leadership potential and exploring their cultural identity.”

Participants for both programs were selected following a three-stage process where hopefuls attended state try-outs before being selected for the State Kickstart Team (Indigenous) or State All Nations Team (Multicultural). Following the AFL National Diversity Championships held in September last year, 50 participants were selected for the respective Medleys or Woomeras team.

Photo: WA players for the Diversity Medleys leadership

2017 Woomeras

Head Coach – Courtney Ugle
Assistant Coach – Emily McGuire
Assistant Coach – Bronwyn Davey

2017 Woomeras Team:

Shantel Ripa (QLD)
Tiarna Awang (QLD)
Rhiannon Blair (QLD)
Kitara Farra (QLD)
Saraiyah Piolt (QLD)
Hope Ugle-Howard (WA)
Nakeesha Miniter (WA)
Mikayla Morrison (WA)
Monique Riley (WA)
Tyrah Kickett (WA)
Mavis Lyndon (WA)
Krstel Petrevski (VIC)
Stephanie Williams (VIC)
Chelsea Briggs-Baksh (VIC)
Ciara Gaykamangu (NT)
Jacinta Anderson (NT)
Gerrica Heenan (NT)
Molly Althouse (NT)
Shakira Henry (NT)
Keyyann Rankine (SA)
Samyde Forrves (SA)
Maleah Walters-Holten (NSW/ACT)
Erin Naden (NSW/ACT)
Mia King (TAS)
Sian Beeton (TAS).

EMERGENCIES: Rachel Riley (WA), Courtney Little (WA), Shakira Pickett (WA), Reanne Morrison (WA), Zoe Blurton (WA), Michaline Mungatopi (NT), Phyllisia Paliluaminni (VIC), Shontaya Burgoyne (SA), Dekota Martin (NSW/ACT).

2017 Medleys

Head Coach – Nuria Ushoroff
Assistant Coach – Bella Ndaikese
Assistant Coach – Sabrin Nyamda

2017 Medleys Team:

Gabby Cleeman (VIC)
Terira Fry (VIC)
Amanda Ling (VIC)
Mary Daw (VIC)
Stephanie Elias (VIC)
Nyakoat Dojiok (VIC)
Zimmorlei Farquharson (QLD)
Ainsleu Rintala-Apps (QLD)
Alice Savill (QLD)
Yvonne Bwisengo (QLD)
Kiden Alemin (WA)
Akoor Dhelbai (WA)
Scovia Anzoa (WA)
Acwag Deng (WA)
Sabur Chuot (WA)
Ellie Shefts (NSW/ACT)
Biola Dawa (NSW/ACT)
Tima Tapuho (NSW/ACT)
Anju Gninon (NT)
Ashanti Berry (NT)
Rachel Hartung (NT)
Bethany Bell (SA)
Tamieka Anderson (SA)
Hannah Ewings (SA)
Alecia Pienaar (SA)

EMERGENCIES: Savali Tapugao (NSW/ACT), Monserrat Shimizu (QLD), Christy Burrows (SA), Angie Andunga (VIC), Tiana Tawhiti (WA).