Falcons Hickey and Lee named as AFLW Under-19 All Australians

GEELONG Falcons and Victoria Country’s Mel Hickey has been named as coach of this year’s AFLW Under-19 Championships All-Australian team.

The championships showcased the most talented young female footballers from across the country and provided them the opportunity to showcase their skills against the best.

The team was selected with 18 players on the field and four interchange players, with players selected in their best positions.

As well as Hickey, the Geelong Falcons scored another spot in the team, with former Geelong Amateur junior Annie Lee named on the half-back line and praised for her intercept marking and ball use during the championships.

Hickey congratulated all girls on their selection.

“This is a fantastic achievement and recognition for these young athletes,” she said.

“It’s been a delight to watch the quality and standard of football improve so much over the years at this age level.

“I can’t wait to see their football journeys continue with the AFLW draft later this month as all girls have a big future in the game.”

AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan said selection in the All-Australian Team was a significant honour.

“These girls represent the best young female footballers in the country,” Sheehan said.

“It was a wonderful experience to see first-hand the emerging future stars of the AFLW competition playing and they highlight the quality of talent coming through the national pathway programs.

“The players selected have the exciting combination of elite athleticism, fundamental skills and plenty of X-factor to have earnt their recognition as an NAB AFLW All-Australian.

“Four of the selected players are precocious talents being younger than draft age with NAB AFLW U19 Championships Player of the Championships Ella Roberts, as well as South Australia’s Lauren Young, Victoria Country’s Paige Scott and Allies MVP winner Cynthia Hamilton.”

All girls will be eligible to play in these Championships again next year ahead of the 2022 NAB AFLW Draft.

“We look forward to watching the progression of this extremely talented group of girls into the NAB AFLW competition and their impact in future years,” Sheehan said.

The 2021 NAB AFLW U19 Championships All-Australian Team

Backs: Chloe Leonard (Victoria Country/GWV Rebels), Isadora McLeay (Allies/Sydney Swans Academy), Jaide Anthony (Victoria Country/Dandenong Stingrays)

Half-Backs: Maggie Harmer (Queensland/Maroochydore), Lauren Young (South Australia/South Adelaide), Annie Lee (Victoria Country/Geelong Falcons)

Centres: Aurora Smith (Victoria Country/Murray Bushrangers), Teagan Levi (Queensland/Bond University), Courtney Rowley (Western Australia/Peel Thunder)

Half-Forwards: Jess Doyle (Allies/Sydney Swans Academy), Ella Roberts (Western Australia/Peel Thunder), Stella Reid (Victoria Metro, Oakleigh Chargers)

Full-Forwards: Paige Scott (Victoria Country/GWV Rebels), Cynthia Hamilton (Allies, GWS GIANTS Academy), Georgia Campbell (Victoria Metro/Eastern Ranges)

Followers: Zoe Prowse (South Australia/Sturt), Charlie Rowbottom (Victoria Metro/Oakleigh Chargers), Georgie Prespakis (Victoria Metro/Calder Cannons)

Interchange: Makaela Tuhakaraina (Western Australia/South Fremantle), Tahlia Gillard (Victoria Metro/Calder Cannons), Tara Slender (Victoria Country/Bendigo Pioneers), Zoe Venning (South Australia/West Adelaide)

Coach: Melissa Hickey (Victoria Country/Geelong Falcons).