Bond University hosted the best young female Indigenous AFL players this week ahead of matches celebrating Australia’s rich cultural heritage.
The U16 squad trained on the Gold Coast as part of the Woomeras program which identifies and nurtures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent for the AFLW.
The three-day camp culminated in a series of matches against a Medleys squad made up of girls with a parent born outside Australia.
AFL Indigenous Programs Manager Narelle Long said the Woomeras program was established in 2013 and balanced the importance of culture with the pursuit of sporting excellence.
“We surround them in what a professional environment would be so that they can learn and understand what it takes to be an AFL player,” Long said.
“We also emphasise the importance of culture, their identity and how their experience within AFL is a cultural journey.”
The program derives its name from the traditional Indigenous hunting tool, the woomera, which is used to launch a spear at its target. The choice highlights the program’s mission to provide direction, power and strength to the aspiring players.
Each Woomeras player has emerged from a pathway program specific to their home state.
“This opportunity for the girls to play against the Medleys is kind of the highlight piece of our program that really drives everyone to participate,” Long said.
“For the national Indigenous team to play a game against the national multicultural team is also an opportunity for such a special cultural exchange.”
The Medleys completed a 4-0 clean sweep of the matches.