Tiger’s push for national carnival assistance

ONE of Torquay’s own talented enough to be named among the state’s best 12 and Under footballers is asking the community for assistance, as she hopes to realise one of the biggest opportunities of her life.

Torquay Tigers junior Harriett O’Dwyer has been selected in the 2024 Victorian 12 & Under Girls Australian Football Team, where she will compete against other states such as the ACT, Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia at the SSA Australian Football Championships in Geelong from August 4 to August 10.

“I’ve played footy with the Torquay Tigers since my early days in Auskick, then in mixed Under 9/10s and now with a great Torquay Girls team,” O’Dwyer said.

“I love everything about the game and have earned a reputation as a bit of a tackling machine.

“This opportunity to play for the Big V against the best from all the other states will be such a learning experience and I can’t wait to get started.”

O’Dwyer and her family have started a fundraising page with the Australian Sports Foundation to account for several expenses related to travel and apparel.

Harriett hopes to raise for $2,000 to assist with the expenses, having raised more $700 as this article went.

“While the carnival is in Geelong this year, meaning we don’t have interstate travel costs to cover, we will be travelling to Melbourne for training, purchasing team, training and playing gear, as well as paying insurance and registration subsidies,” Ms O’Dwyer said.

“My family has donated to other local athletes who have been chosen to represent Vic over the years, so hoping the community can help me out too.

“Every little bit counts and will make such a difference.”

Donations to Harriett’s fundraiser can be found via the QR code.